How to treat pillows for lice and nits? - briefly
Wash pillowcases and any machine‑washable pillows in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) and tumble‑dry on high heat for 20 minutes. For non‑washable pillows, seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks or apply a lice‑approved spray according to the product directions.
How to treat pillows for lice and nits? - in detail
Treating pillows that have become contaminated with head‑lice and their eggs requires a combination of heat, chemical treatment, and thorough inspection.
First, remove all pillow covers and wash them in hot water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) for at least 10 minutes. Follow the washing cycle with a high‑heat dryer setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat at this level kills both adult insects and nits.
If the pillow itself cannot be laundered, apply a lice‑specific spray or a diluted solution of 0.5 % permethrin directly to the surface. Ensure the product is labeled for use on fabrics and follow the manufacturer’s contact time, typically 10–15 minutes, before wiping the pillow with a clean cloth.
After chemical application, place the pillow in a sealed plastic bag and store it in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours. The low temperature destroys any remaining viable eggs that survived the spray.
Once the pillow has been treated, inspect it under a bright light using a fine‑toothed comb or a magnifying lens. Look for any translucent oval structures attached to the fabric fibers; these are nits. Remove any visible debris with a lint roller or a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.
Finally, protect the pillow by encasing it in an airtight, zippered cover made of polyester or nylon. Wash the cover regularly in hot water and keep the pillow away from other bedding until the infestation is fully resolved.
Repeating the washing and heat cycle once more after two weeks guarantees that any newly hatched lice are eliminated, preventing a resurgence.