What should be done with laundry and clothing if there are lice?

What should be done with laundry and clothing if there are lice? - briefly

Wash all washable items in hot water (at least 130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat for 30 minutes; non‑washable items should be sealed in airtight bags for two weeks or discarded. Clean the washing machine and dryer afterwards with a high‑temperature cycle or a disinfectant wipe.

What should be done with laundry and clothing if there are lice? - in detail

When lice infest a household, every piece of fabric must be treated to prevent re‑infestation. The following procedures eliminate nits and adult insects while preserving the integrity of the items.

1. Immediate washing

   • Sort clothing, bedding, and towels by fabric type.
   • Use hot water at a minimum of 130 °F (54 °C).
   • Add a normal dose of detergent; a small amount of bleach may be used on white, color‑fast items for extra protection.
   • Run a full wash cycle; do not shorten the program.

2. High‑heat drying

   • Transfer items directly from the washer to a dryer set on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
   • Heat above 120 °F (49 °C) kills both lice and their eggs.
   • For items that cannot be tumble‑dried, place them in a sealed plastic bag and expose them to direct sunlight for several hours, or use a portable garment steamer.

3. Sealing non‑washable objects

   • Place delicate garments, stuffed toys, and other non‑launderable items in airtight plastic bags or containers.
   • Keep sealed for a minimum of two weeks; lice cannot survive longer than 48 hours without a host, but nits may hatch later.
   • After the period, launder or vacuum the items before use.

4. Vacuuming and cleaning

   • Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mattress surfaces thoroughly.
   • Dispose of vacuum bags or empty canisters into a sealed garbage bag and discard immediately.
   • Wipe hard surfaces with a disinfectant solution to remove any stray insects.

5. Discarding irrecoverable items

   • If an item is heavily infested, damaged by heat, or unsuitable for sealing, discard it in a sealed bag.
   • Ensure the bag is tied tightly and placed in an outdoor trash container.

6. Preventive storage

   • Store clean laundry in sealed containers until the infestation is fully resolved.
   • Avoid re‑introducing previously infested clothing without proper treatment.

By adhering strictly to hot washing, high‑temperature drying, airtight isolation, and thorough cleaning, all fabrics can be rendered lice‑free, eliminating the risk of recurrence.