Preparing Bedding for Cleaning
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the human scalp. While they primarily infest hair, cleaning bedding is an important step in preventing re-infestation after treatment. Lice typically survive less than 24 hours away from a human host without a blood meal. Addressing bedding helps eliminate any lice or nits (lice eggs) that may have fallen off.
Before cleaning, strip all bedding from the beds of anyone who has had head lice. This includes sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters. Gather all items that contacted the infested person’s head, such as sleepwear and any stuffed animals or decorative pillows. Sort these items into washable and non-washable categories to streamline treatment.
Washing and Drying Methods
For washable bedding, use high heat to kill lice and their eggs. Place all stripped bedding into a washing machine, ensuring not to overload it. Wash items using hot water, at least 130°F (54°C). This temperature eliminates lice and nits during the wash cycle.
After washing, transfer bedding to a clothes dryer. Dry items on the highest heat setting available. The sustained high temperature in a dryer eradicates any remaining lice or nits. Run the dryer for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes on this high heat cycle. This combined hot water wash and high-temperature drying ensures thorough decontamination.
Treating Non-Launderable Items
Some items, such as certain pillows, delicate blankets, or stuffed animals, cannot withstand hot water washing or high heat drying. For these non-launderable items, an alternative approach focuses on depriving lice of a food source.
Place them in airtight plastic bags and seal them. Store these sealed bags in a warm, dry place for at least two weeks. This duration ensures any lice or nits present will die from starvation or dehydration. After two weeks, items can be removed and used safely. For mattresses and upholstered furniture, thorough vacuuming can help remove stray lice or nits.
Post-Treatment Precautions
After treating all bedding and non-launderable items, maintaining a clean environment helps prevent re-infestation. Vacuum floors, rugs, and furniture, especially where the infested individual spent time. This step removes any lice or nits that may have fallen off hair or clothing.
Cleaning the environment is a supportive measure; the primary focus for eliminating head lice is treating the infested individual’s scalp and hair. Without addressing live lice on the head, re-infestation of cleaned items can occur quickly. Continuing to monitor and treat the individual according to medical advice is essential for successful eradication.