Lice – how to treat bed linens? - briefly
Wash all sheets, pillowcases and blankets in water at 130 °F (54 °C) or hotter and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes; place any items that cannot be laundered in sealed plastic bags for two weeks to kill remaining nits. Vacuum the mattress and surrounding surfaces, then discard or heat‑treat pillows and other non‑washable fabrics.
Lice – how to treat bed linens? - in detail
Effective control of head‑lice infestations requires thorough decontamination of all sleeping‑area textiles. The process involves several precise steps that eliminate viable eggs (nits) and adult insects while preserving fabric integrity.
First, remove all bedding items—sheets, pillowcases, blankets, mattress covers, and any removable pillow protectors. Separate items according to their care labels; washable fabrics should be processed in hot water, while delicate or non‑washable pieces need alternative treatment.
Washing protocol for machine‑safe textiles
- Set the washer to the highest temperature permitted (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C).
- Add a regular detergent; consider a lice‑specific additive if available.
- Run a full‑cycle wash, followed by a high‑heat tumble‑dry for at least 30 minutes. The combined heat exposure destroys both lice and nits.
Non‑washable or heat‑sensitive items
- Place the item in a sealed polyethylene bag and expose it to a commercial steam‑cleaning unit for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Alternatively, store the sealed bag in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 72 hours; prolonged freezing kills all life stages. After treatment, air‑dry the item before reuse.
Mattress and upholstered surfaces
- Vacuum the entire surface using a HEPA‑rated attachment; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister immediately.
- Apply a licensed, residual‑effect insecticide labeled for lice control to seams, crevices, and headboard areas. Follow label directions regarding concentration and ventilation.
- After treatment, cover the mattress with an encasement that is certified to block lice penetration; keep the encasement on for at least two weeks to ensure any surviving insects cannot reach the host.
Preventive measures
- Keep all laundered bedding in sealed containers until the household members have completed a full treatment regimen.
- Rotate and wash bedding weekly during an outbreak to interrupt the lice life cycle, which averages 7–10 days from egg to adult.
By adhering to these exact procedures—high‑temperature laundering, appropriate steam or freezing for delicate items, thorough vacuuming, targeted insecticide application, and protective encasements—bed linens can be rendered free of lice, eliminating a primary reservoir for reinfestation.