What to wash with after lice? - briefly
Use a lice‑killing shampoo (e.g., permethrin or pyrethrin) followed by a rinse in hot water (≥130 °F) to eliminate remaining nits. Wash all clothing, bedding, and personal items in the same hot water and dry on high heat.
What to wash with after lice? - in detail
After eliminating head‑lice infestations, thorough cleansing of the scalp, hair, and surrounding environment is essential to prevent reinfestation.
Begin with the hair. Apply a medicated shampoo containing 1 % permethrin or pyrethrin, following the label’s contact time (usually 10 minutes). Rinse completely, then wash the hair with a regular shampoo to remove residual chemicals. For those preferring non‑chemical options, a hot‑water rinse (at least 130 °F/54 °C) for five minutes, followed by a thorough shampoo, can kill remaining nits.
Next, address personal items.
- Hair accessories: Soak combs, brushes, and hair clips in hot, soapy water for at least 10 minutes. Rinse and dry on a clean towel.
- Clothing: Machine‑wash shirts, jackets, hats, and any fabric that touched the scalp in hot water (≥130 °F). Dry on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes.
- Bedding and towels: Wash pillowcases, sheets, blankets, and towels in hot water, then tumble‑dry on high heat. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, a duration that exceeds the lice life cycle.
Surfaces that may have come into contact with hair require disinfection.
- Furniture: Vacuum upholstered chairs, sofas, and car seats. Follow with a spray of a 0.5 % hydrogen peroxide solution; allow to air‑dry.
- Flooring and hard surfaces: Mop with a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) or an EPA‑registered disinfectant.
Personal hygiene after treatment should include daily shampooing for at least one week to remove any stray eggs that may have hatched.
Finally, maintain a routine of regular checks. Inspect the scalp and hair every 2–3 days for at least three weeks, using a fine‑tooth comb to detect any surviving nits. Early detection allows prompt retreatment, reducing the need for repeated extensive cleaning.