What can be used to remove lice from clothing? - briefly
Lice and their eggs are eliminated by washing fabrics in water of at least 130 °F (54 °C) and then drying them on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered can be placed in a sealed plastic bag and frozen at –20 °C (–4 °F) for 48 hours to achieve the same result.
What can be used to remove lice from clothing? - in detail
Lice survive on fabrics only briefly; thorough decontamination eliminates them.
- Hot‑water laundering: Wash items in water at 130 °F (54 °C) or higher for at least 10 minutes. Use a regular detergent; the temperature kills both adults and eggs.
- High‑heat drying: Place washed clothing in a dryer on the hottest setting for a minimum of 30 minutes. Heat above 130 °F penetrates fibers and destroys remaining stages.
- Freezing: Seal non‑washable items in a sealed plastic bag and store in a freezer at –4 °F (–20 °C) for 72 hours. Prolonged exposure to sub‑freezing temperatures is lethal to lice and nits.
- Chemical treatment: Apply a lice‑specific spray or powder containing permethrin, pyrethrin, or a non‑pesticidal insecticidal oil (e.g., neem oil) according to manufacturer instructions. Ensure the product is labeled safe for fabrics and follow recommended contact time before laundering or air‑drying.
- Sealed‑bag method: For delicate textiles that cannot endure heat, place them in airtight bags for two weeks. Lice cannot survive without a host beyond 48 hours; the extended isolation ensures death.
Additional precautions:
- Inspect seams, cuffs, and pockets for hidden eggs; remove lint or debris that may shelter them.
- Separate contaminated clothing from clean items during processing to avoid cross‑contamination.
- After treatment, vacuum floors, upholstered furniture, and vehicle interiors; discard the vacuum bag or clean the canister.
Combining hot washing with high‑heat drying provides the most reliable eradication. For items resistant to heat, freezing or approved chemical sprays serve as effective alternatives.