How to wash clothing to get rid of lice? - briefly
Wash infested garments in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) with detergent, then tumble‑dry on the highest heat setting for at least 20 minutes. For items that cannot be heated, place them in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks to ensure lice mortality.
How to wash clothing to get rid of lice? - in detail
Cleaning garments to eliminate lice requires thorough preparation, appropriate temperature, and proper drying.
Begin by separating all items that have contacted an infested person. Include clothing, bedding, towels, and accessories such as hats or scarves. Discard any fabric that cannot withstand high heat or that is heavily damaged.
Use a washing machine set to the hottest cycle the fabric label permits, typically at least 60 °C (140 °F). Hot water denatures lice and their eggs. Add a regular laundry detergent; for added efficacy, incorporate a small amount of a lice‑killing additive such as a non‑chlorine bleach or an oil‑based laundry booster, following the product’s instructions.
If the machine allows, select a pre‑wash soak of 10–15 minutes. Soaking in hot, detergent‑filled water improves penetration of the solution into the fibers, increasing mortality of any hidden nits.
After the wash, place the items in a dryer on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. The combination of heat and tumbling removes any remaining organisms. For items unsuitable for machine drying, lay them flat in direct sunlight for several hours; ultraviolet radiation and heat contribute to eradication.
Inspect all cleaned garments for residual debris. If any suspect items remain, repeat the wash–dry cycle. Store laundered clothing in sealed plastic bags for at least 48 hours before reuse to prevent re‑infestation.
Handle untreated items with gloves, placing them in sealed bags until they can be processed. Vacuum floors and upholstered surfaces, then discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister with hot, soapy water.
Following these steps consistently eliminates lice from clothing and related textiles, breaking the transmission cycle.