How to wash items infected with lice? - briefly
Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, then dry on high heat; items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or discarded. For non‑washable objects, apply a lice‑killing spray approved for fabrics or expose them to a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours.
How to wash items infected with lice? - in detail
When dealing with personal belongings that have been exposed to head‑lice, the primary goal is to eliminate both live insects and their eggs (nits). Effective decontamination relies on temperature, detergent action, and thorough drying.
Start by sorting items according to material and washability. Machine‑washable fabrics—such as shirts, socks, underwear, pajamas, pillowcases, and bedding—should be placed in hot water. Set the washer to the highest temperature the fabric can tolerate, typically at least 130 °F (54 °C). Add a regular laundry detergent; a small amount of bleach (5 % solution) may be used on white, color‑fast items for extra assurance. Run a full wash cycle, then select a high‑heat dryer setting (minimum 130 °F) for at least 30 minutes. Heat of this magnitude kills lice and destroys nits.
For items that cannot endure high temperatures, such as delicate clothing, hats, scarves, or certain toys, use a liquid detergent and soak in water heated to at least 120 °F (49 °C) for 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse thoroughly and place the items in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours; lice cannot survive without a host for that period. Alternatively, store the objects in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 24 hours, which also guarantees mortality.
Non‑washable materials—like leather shoes, hairbrushes, combs, and wooden toys—require surface treatment. Submerge brushes and combs in hot, soapy water for 10 minutes, then scrub with a nail‑brush to remove attached eggs. Rinse and dry with a high‑heat hair dryer. Leather articles can be wiped with a cloth dampened in a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol; allow them to air dry completely. Wooden items can be placed in a sealed container with a desiccant and left for several days, or exposed to direct sunlight for several hours, as ultraviolet radiation reduces egg viability.
Finally, isolate all cleaned items until the treatment is completed. Store them in sealed bags or containers to prevent re‑infestation. Discard any clothing or fabric that shows extensive nits or cannot be laundered safely.
Summary of actions
- Machine‑washable fabrics: hot wash ≥130 °F, detergent, optional bleach, high‑heat dryer ≥130 °F, 30 min.
- Heat‑sensitive fabrics: soak in ≥120 °F water, detergent, 30 min; then seal for 48 h or freeze at –4 °F for 24 h.
- Brushes/comb: soak 10 min in hot soapy water, scrub, dry with hot air.
- Leather: wipe with 70 % isopropyl alcohol, air dry.
- Wooden toys: sunlight exposure or sealed container with desiccant for several days.
- Non‑washable items: seal after treatment, keep isolated.
Following these procedures removes both adult lice and their eggs, preventing recurrence after treatment.