What to do with clothing if there are lice? - briefly
Wash all washable items in hot water (minimum 130 °F) and dry them on high heat for at least 30 minutes; non‑washable garments should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks or discarded. This eliminates any remaining nits and prevents re‑infestation.
What to do with clothing if there are lice? - in detail
When an infestation is discovered, garments must be treated promptly to eliminate all stages of the parasite. Separate every piece of clothing, bedding, and fabric accessories from untouched items and place them in a designated container.
- Wash all washable textiles in water that reaches at least 130 °F (54 °C). Use a regular laundry detergent; the temperature alone is sufficient to kill eggs and nymphs.
- Follow the wash cycle with a high‑heat dryer setting for a minimum of 20 minutes. Heat above 130 °F destroys any surviving lice and their eggs.
- For items that cannot be machine‑laundered, seal them in a heavy‑duty plastic bag for two weeks. The lice cannot survive without a host beyond 48 hours, and the extended seal ensures any that hatch will die.
- If a freezer capable of maintaining –4 °F (–20 °C) for at least 24 hours is available, place non‑washable fabrics inside. Freezing for the specified period also guarantees mortality.
- Discard any clothing that is heavily soiled, damaged, or labeled “dry‑clean only” if professional cleaning is not feasible. Professional dry‑cleaning services that use high‑temperature processes are acceptable alternatives.
- Inspect and treat personal accessories—hats, scarves, hair ties, and shoes—using the same washing or sealing methods. Small items may be placed in a sealed bag with a few ice cubes for 48 hours to suffocate any lice.
- After cleaning, store all treated garments in sealed bags until the infestation is fully resolved. This prevents re‑infestation from lingering eggs on surfaces.
By following these precise actions—high‑temperature laundering, appropriate sealing, and, when necessary, disposal—clothing and other fabrics become safe for reuse, eliminating the risk of continued transmission.