How to wash laundry to remove lice? - briefly
Use water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and a dryer on high heat for 20 minutes or longer; this temperature kills both lice and nits. If hot water isn’t possible, soak fabrics in a 1 % permethrin solution before washing and drying on the hottest setting.
How to wash laundry to remove lice? - in detail
Effective removal of head‑lice eggs and nymphs from clothing requires a combination of temperature control, detergent action, and thorough drying. Follow these steps for reliable decontamination.
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Separate items – Gather all fabrics that may have contacted an infested person: shirts, socks, underwear, pillowcases, blankets, and towels. Place them in a single load to avoid cross‑contamination.
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Pre‑wash preparation – Turn garments inside out, close zippers, and fasten hooks. This exposes seams where lice and eggs often hide.
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Water temperature – Use the hottest setting the fabric can tolerate, ideally 130 °F (54 °C) or higher. Heat above 118 °F (48 °C) kills both adult lice and viable eggs within minutes.
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Detergent selection – Apply a regular laundry detergent; adding a small amount of a surfactant or enzyme‑based cleaner enhances egg shell disruption.
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Wash cycle – Run a full wash cycle lasting at least 30 minutes. Extended agitation improves mechanical removal of organisms from fibers.
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Rinse – Perform a thorough rinse with hot water to flush out any remaining debris.
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Drying – Transfer items to a dryer set on high heat (minimum 130 °F) for a minimum of 20 minutes. The combination of heat and tumbling ensures any surviving lice are eliminated.
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Post‑process inspection – After drying, visually inspect seams and folds for any residual insects. If any are found, repeat the wash‑dry sequence.
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Non‑washable items – For fabrics that cannot be laundered, seal them in a plastic bag for two weeks, a period longer than the lice life cycle, to prevent hatching. Alternatively, expose them to a professional heat‑treatment service.
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Preventive measures – Store clean laundry in sealed containers and avoid sharing clothing or bedding until the infestation is fully resolved.
By adhering strictly to high‑temperature washing and drying, using appropriate detergents, and handling non‑launderable items with isolation, clothing can be rendered free of lice and their eggs.