What to do if there are clothing lice? - briefly
Immediately isolate infested garments, seal them in plastic bags, and wash in hot water (≥ 60 °C) with detergent, then dry on the highest heat setting. If laundering is not feasible, keep items sealed for at least two weeks or apply a fabric‑safe insecticide, and thoroughly vacuum and clean surrounding storage areas.
What to do if there are clothing lice? - in detail
If garments show signs of lice, immediate isolation prevents spread. Place affected items in sealed plastic bags and keep them away from other laundry.
Next, apply a heat treatment. Wash the clothing in the hottest water the fabric tolerates, then dry on the highest dryer setting for at least 30 minutes. Heat kills both lice and their eggs.
For fabrics that cannot endure high temperatures, use a freezing method. Seal the items in airtight bags and store them in a freezer at –18 °C (0 °F) for 48 hours. Cold temperatures also eliminate the parasites.
After thermal or freezing treatment, inspect each piece thoroughly. Use a fine-toothed comb or a magnifying glass to verify the absence of live insects and nits.
If any item remains contaminated, repeat the chosen method or consider professional pest‑control services that offer specialized textile treatments.
Finally, clean the environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and storage areas, then discard the vacuum bag or empty the canister into a sealed container. Wash hands thoroughly after handling infested clothing.
Following these steps eradicates lice from garments and reduces the risk of re‑infestation.