How to treat laundry to get rid of lice? - briefly
Launder all fabrics in water at 130 °F (54 °C) or hotter and follow with a high‑heat dryer cycle of at least 20 minutes. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks to eliminate any remaining parasites.
How to treat laundry to get rid of lice? - in detail
Treating clothing, bedding, and other washable items to eradicate head‑lice eggs requires heat, chemical action, and thorough drying. Follow a systematic protocol to guarantee complete elimination.
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Sort and seal – Separate infested fabrics from clean ones. Place each load in a sealed plastic bag until laundering begins to prevent cross‑contamination.
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Pre‑wash preparation – Turn garments inside out, fasten zippers, and empty pockets. For delicate items, check care labels for maximum temperature.
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Water temperature – Use the hottest setting the fabric tolerates, ideally 130 °F (54 °C) or higher. Lice and nits cannot survive sustained exposure to such heat.
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Detergent – Apply a regular laundry detergent. Adding a measured amount of liquid chlorine bleach (5–6 %) to white or color‑fast fabrics enhances efficacy; for color‑sensitive items, use an oxygen‑based bleach alternative.
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Cycle length – Select a long wash cycle (minimum 30 minutes). Extended agitation improves removal of eggs lodged in seams and folds.
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Rinse – Perform an extra rinse to flush residual chemicals and debris.
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Drying – Transfer items to a dryer set on high heat (≥ 130 °F) for at least 20 minutes. Heat penetrates fibers, killing any surviving stages. If a dryer is unavailable, lay items in direct sunlight for several hours; ultraviolet exposure and heat together are lethal to lice.
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Post‑laundry handling – Store cleaned items in sealed bags until they are removed from the household environment. Clean the washing machine drum with a bleach solution to eliminate any lingering eggs.
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Non‑washable items – For items that cannot be laundered, place them in a sealed container for two weeks, the duration of the lice life cycle, or expose them to a professional heat‑treatment service.
By adhering to these steps—high temperature, appropriate chemicals, thorough agitation, and complete drying—laundry becomes an effective barrier against reinfestation.