Lice on a child: what should be done with bedding and clothing? - briefly
Wash all sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and clothing in hot water (≥130 °F) and dry on high heat; items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or discarded. Clean hair combs, brushes, and any upholstered surfaces with a lice‑killing spray or hot water.
Lice on a child: what should be done with bedding and clothing? - in detail
When a child is discovered to have head‑lice, the surrounding fabrics must be treated promptly to prevent reinfestation. The following measures address sheets, pillowcases, blankets, clothing, and personal items.
First, remove all washable textiles from the child’s immediate environment. Place them in a sealed plastic bag for transport to the laundry area. Wash each item in hot water—minimum 130 °F (54 °C)—for at least 10 minutes. Use a regular detergent; adding a small amount of vinegar or a lice‑specific laundry additive is optional but not required. After washing, dry the items on the highest heat setting for a minimum of 30 minutes; high‑heat drying kills any remaining nits and lice.
Second, items that cannot be laundered (e.g., delicate blankets, stuffed animals, non‑washable jackets) should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks. Lice cannot survive more than 48 hours without a human host; the extended sealing period ensures any surviving insects die.
Third, vacuum upholstered furniture, carpets, and mattresses thoroughly. Focus on seams, crevices, and areas where the child frequently rests. Dispose of the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed bag immediately after use.
Fourth, treat clothing worn at the time of detection. Wash as described above; if the garment is dry‑clean only, place it in a sealed bag for two weeks or consult a professional cleaner about high‑temperature processing.
Fifth, personal accessories—hats, scarves, hairbrushes, combs—should be soaked in hot water (130 °F) for 10 minutes or wiped with an alcohol‑based solution. Brushes can be cleaned by soaking in hot, soapy water and then rinsing.
A concise checklist:
- Gather all bedding, towels, and clothing.
- Wash in ≥130 °F water for ≥10 minutes.
- Dry on high heat for ≥30 minutes.
- Seal non‑washable items for 14 days.
- Vacuum and discard vacuum contents.
- Clean hair accessories with hot water or alcohol.
- Repeat laundering and vacuuming after 7 days to catch any newly hatched lice.
Implementing these steps eliminates viable lice from textiles and reduces the risk of a secondary outbreak, allowing treatment of the child to proceed without continual re‑exposure.