How to Get Rid of Lice in Your Home
The only thing more daunting than treating your family for a head lice infestation is the thought of sanitizing your entire home. Fortunately, the main way head lice is spread is from direct head-to-head contact and you aren’t very likely to catch it from household items. Still, you might want to clean some items in your home once your family has been successfully treated for lice.
The Life Span of Head Lice
Head lice can’t survive more than 24-48 hours when they aren’t on a human host. This is an important fact to keep in mind. It means you’ll only need to clean what an infested person has been in contact within the past couple days.
What to Clean During a Head Lice Infestation
Fortunately, you won’t need to clean every single item in your house. But there are some important items you’ll want to be sure to take care of. Here’s a list of what should be sanitized after a head lice infestation and the best way to do it.
1. Brushes, Combs and Hair Accessories. Round up any hair care items such as brushes, combs, barrettes, and headbands that have been used in the last 24-48 hours. Place them in a sealed plastic bag. Then place the bag in the freezer for 24 hours to kill any lice and eggs. Alternatively, you can place the items in hot water—at least 130 degrees—for about 10 minutes to eliminate lice.
2. You’ll want to clean any clothing that has been worn in the last 24-48 hours, including any clothes that were worn during treatment. Wash them in hot water and then put them in the dryer. The heat from the washer and dryer will effectively kill lice and nits. Throw any hats, scarves or accessories you’ve worn in the last 48 hours into the dryer for at least 30 minutes.
3. Stuffed Animals. Since your child’s favorite stuffed animals have likely come in contact with his or her head. The easiest way to do this is to place them in the hot dryer for at least 30 minutes. The dry air will dehydrate any lice that have been left behind.
4. It’s best to wash any bedding that has been slept on in the last 24-48 hours. Wash all pillowcases, sheets, and duvets in hot water. Finish them off by drying on the high heat setting until thoroughly dry.
5. Furniture, Carpets, and Household Items. For larger items and things that can’t be placed in the washer and dryer, vacuuming or bagging is best. Vacuum upholstered chairs and sofas that may have come in contact with head lice in the last two days. Vacuum floors and carpets thoroughly. Sealed for 48 hours, any large pillows and cushions can also be placed in garbage bags.
How to Treat a Head Lice Infestation
The first step to tackling a head lice infestation is finding an effective treatment for the family. For safe, nontoxic treatment that works, call the pros at Fresh Heads Lice Treatment Centers. Our technicians are expertly trained to remove head lice using our signature AirAllé treatment. Within locations at Jacksonville, Orlando, and Savannah. This revolutionary, FDA-cleared treatment uses heated air to dehydrate and kill head lice and their eggs. It’s quick, convenient and safe for the whole family. Schedule an appointment at one of our locations today.
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