What should be done if lice are on clothing? - briefly
Isolate the affected garments and wash them in water at ≥130 °F for at least 30 minutes, then tumble‑dry on high heat. Seal any untreated items in an airtight bag for two weeks to prevent re‑infestation.
What should be done if lice are on clothing? - in detail
Lice discovered on garments require prompt, thorough handling to prevent re‑infestation.
First, separate the affected items from clean laundry. Place them in a sealed plastic bag until they can be processed.
Next, wash the clothing in hot water. Set the temperature to at least 130 °F (54 °C) and use a regular detergent. Run a full cycle, then add an extra rinse to eliminate residual insects.
After washing, dry the items on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. The combination of heat and tumbling kills any remaining lice and nits. If a dryer is unavailable, place the clothing in direct sunlight for several hours, ensuring the fabric is fully exposed.
For delicate fabrics that cannot withstand high temperatures, seal them in a freezer at 0 °F (‑18 °C) for at least 48 hours. Freezing disrupts the lice’s life cycle and destroys eggs.
Inspect all other clothing and personal items (hats, scarves, socks) for signs of infestation. Treat any suspect pieces using the same washing or freezing protocol.
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and vehicle seats where the contaminated clothing was stored. Empty the vacuum canister into a sealed bag and discard it outside the home.
Finally, adopt preventive measures: keep hair tied back, avoid sharing headgear, and regularly launder bedding and clothing at the recommended temperatures. Consistent application of these steps eliminates lice from garments and reduces the risk of recurrence.