Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that live on the human scalp, feeding on small amounts of blood. While these parasites primarily reside on the head, their eggs (nits) or even stray adult lice can temporarily transfer to bedding and other personal items. Thoroughly cleaning your home environment, particularly bedding and surrounding areas, is an important part of preventing re-infestation after treating an individual. This environmental cleaning complements personal treatment by addressing any lice or nits that may have fallen off the host.
Gathering and Sorting Infested Items
Start by systematically collecting all potentially infested items. Gather all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters, from the affected person’s bed. Extend this collection to include any stuffed animals, hats, scarves, coats, and hair accessories that may have come into recent contact with the individual’s head. It is helpful to include items used within the 48 hours prior to treatment.
Once collected, sort these items into two categories: washable and non-washable. This separation is important because different cleaning methods are required to effectively eliminate lice and nits from various materials. To prevent further spread, place the collected items directly into sealable plastic bags or laundry bags. This containment minimizes the chance of dislodged lice or nits transferring to other surfaces in the home.
Cleaning Washable Bedding
For washable items, high heat is a very effective method for killing head lice and nits. All bedding and clothing that can withstand hot water should be machine washed using a hot water cycle. The water temperature should be at least 130°F (54°C) to ensure the parasites are eradicated.
Following the hot wash, items should be dried in a hot dryer for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes. The sustained high heat in the dryer is particularly effective at killing both lice and their eggs. Ensure all items are completely dry before removing them. This process should be applied to any items worn or used by the infested individual within the two days before treatment began.
Treating Non-Washable Items
For items that cannot be machine washed, such as some pillows, delicate blankets, or stuffed animals, alternative methods are necessary. One common approach is to seal these items in a plastic bag. Lice cannot survive for long periods without a human host, typically dying within 24 to 48 hours off the head. Nits can survive longer, potentially up to a week, though they require scalp warmth to hatch.
To ensure complete eradication, seal non-washable items in an airtight plastic bag for at least two weeks. This extended period ensures any hatched lice die without a blood meal. Additionally, vacuuming mattresses, upholstered furniture, and carpets where the infested person spent time can help remove any stray lice or hairs with attached nits. Dispose of the vacuum bag promptly after cleaning to prevent re-release of potential parasites.
Maintaining a Lice-Free Environment
Once the initial cleaning of bedding and other items is complete, the focus should largely return to treating the infested person directly. Environmental cleaning, while supportive, is secondary to effective head treatment. Lice do not typically survive long off a human host, minimizing the risk of re-infestation from the environment once the individual is clear.
Continued regular cleaning of bedding is advisable as part of general hygiene, but daily intensive cleaning is usually not necessary after the initial infestation is resolved. Regular checks of family members are important, and avoiding head-to-head contact during the treatment period can limit potential spread. The most effective way to prevent recurrence is ensuring successful initial treatment and any necessary re-treatment.