How to treat toys for lice? - briefly
Wash plastic or fabric toys in hot water (≥130 °F/54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, or seal them in a bag and freeze for 24 hours, then dry completely. For items that cannot be laundered, wipe with 70 % isopropyl alcohol or apply a lice‑kill spray and let them air‑dry.
How to treat toys for lice? - in detail
Lice infestations on children’s play items require prompt and thorough decontamination to prevent re‑infestation. The following protocol addresses various toy materials and outlines safe, effective measures.
First, isolate all affected objects. Separate plastic, rubber, and hard‑surface toys from fabric, plush, and electronic devices, as each category demands a specific treatment.
Plastic, rubber, and hard toys
- Wash in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for at least 10 minutes.
- Use a detergent that contains surfactants capable of breaking down the insect’s exoskeleton.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry on high heat or in direct sunlight for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Fabric and plush toys
- Place in a sealed, high‑temperature dryer cycle (≥140 °F/60 °C) for 20 minutes.
- If dryer access is unavailable, seal the items in a heavy‑duty plastic bag and store in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 48 hours; freezing kills lice at all life stages.
- After freezing, launder in hot water as described for hard toys and tumble dry on high heat.
Electronic or battery‑operated toys
- Remove batteries and any detachable accessories.
- Wipe surfaces with a 70 % isopropyl alcohol solution, ensuring the liquid does not seep into openings.
- Allow the device to air‑dry completely before reassembling.
Additional precautions:
- Disinfect the surrounding area with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or an EPA‑registered household disinfectant.
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery, then dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister to eliminate any stray nits.
- Inspect the child’s hair and scalp daily for at least two weeks; repeat treatment if live lice are observed.
By applying these steps systematically, caregivers can eliminate lice from toys while preserving the items’ integrity and maintaining a safe environment for children.