How to wash to get rid of lice? - briefly
Wash hair, bedding, and clothing in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) with a regular detergent, then tumble‑dry on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes; repeat the laundering after 7–10 days to eradicate any newly hatched nits.
How to wash to get rid of lice? - in detail
Washing is a central component of an effective lice eradication program. The process must combine thorough cleaning of the hair, scalp, and personal items with appropriate chemical or physical treatments.
Begin by selecting a lice‑killing shampoo that contains either a pediculicide (e.g., permethrin 1 % or pyrethrin) or a non‑chemical alternative such as dimethicone. Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring coverage from the roots to the tips of each strand. Leave the solution on the scalp for the recommended duration, then rinse with warm water. After rinsing, use a fine‑toothed lice comb on wet hair, moving from the scalp outward in systematic sections. Comb each section multiple times, wiping the comb blade with a disposable tissue after each pass. Repeat the combing process at least twice, spaced 7–10 days apart, to capture any newly hatched nymphs.
Simultaneously, decontaminate all items that may harbor eggs or insects:
- Clothing and linens: Wash in hot water (≥ 130 °F/54 °C) for a minimum of 30 minutes; tumble‑dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Hair accessories, brushes, combs: Soak in hot water with a small amount of lice‑killing shampoo for 10 minutes; rinse and dry thoroughly.
- Non‑washable objects (e.g., helmets, stuffed toys): Seal in airtight plastic bags for 48 hours, or expose to a temperature of at least 140 °F (60 °C) using a dryer or steam cleaner.
Maintain the cleaning routine for a full two‑week period. Monitor the scalp daily for live insects or viable eggs; any detection should trigger an immediate repeat of the combing and shampoo step. Consistent application of these measures eliminates the infestation without reliance on repeated chemical exposure.