How to Effectively Manage Laundry Infested with Head Lice
Identifying Head Lice and Their Impact on Laundry
Head lice are tiny, wingless insects that feed on human blood and reside solely on the scalp. These pests are highly contagious, particularly among children in close quarters such as schools and daycare centers. Head lice infestations can also spread through shared bedding, clothing, and head-to-head contact. While head lice do not transmit diseases, their bites cause intense itching and discomfort, potentially leading to open wounds if scratched excessively.
Effective Laundry Practices for Lice Elimination
To effectively eliminate lice and their eggs (nits) from laundry, it is crucial to adhere to specific washing and drying protocols.
Washing:
- Gather all items that have come into contact with an infested individual within the past two days, including clothing, towels, fabric hair accessories, and bedding.
- Sort items based on fabric type, keeping delicates separate.
- Load regular clothing into the washing machine and add regular liquid laundry detergent.
- Set the water temperature to at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit (hot cycle).
- Run a full washing cycle.
- For delicate items, soak in warm water with ample laundry detergent for several hours before washing on the delicate cycle.
Drying:
- Move the regular laundry load to the dryer.
- Set the dryer to a high-heat setting and run for a minimum of 40 minutes to ensure the lice and nits are killed.
- Allow delicate items to air-dry.
Treating Stains from Lice Infestation
While lice themselves do not stain bedding and other laundry items, their victims may scratch the bites, resulting in small blood stains. These stains are typically easy to remove using hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, or commercial stain removers.
Safe Storage of Lice-Infested Laundry
If an item cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, seal it in a plastic bag and store it for two weeks. This will allow the lice to die naturally. Upon removing the item, shake it outside and vacuum the area to remove dead lice. Even for washed items, consider storing them for a few weeks before using them again for added assurance.
Frequency of Laundry for Lice Infestation
To prevent re-infestation, it is essential to rewash the same clothes and bedding multiple times, especially during an ongoing infestation. Change and wash bedding daily until the infestation is resolved. Head lice can be persistent, so precautions should be taken for several weeks to ensure complete eradication.
Tips for Managing Lice-Infested Laundry
- Dry-clean-only items should be taken to a professional, but inform them of the lice exposure.
- Disable energy-saving settings on newer dryers to ensure adequate heat for lice elimination.
- Place infested items in a zero-degree freezer for at least four hours to kill lice.
- Remember to wash or treat throw pillows that may have been exposed to lice.
- Human head lice cannot spread to pets or vice versa.
Understanding Head Lice and Their Transmission
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are tiny, flattened insects that measure approximately 1/10 inch in length and range in color from white to gray. Nits are small, oval-shaped structures that are typically attached to hair follicles near the scalp.
Head lice primarily spread through close contact with an infested individual or by sharing contaminated items such as hats, headphones, and hairbrushes. Schools, daycare centers, and playgroups provide ideal environments for head lice transmission due to the close proximity of children.
FAQs about Head Lice and Laundry Care
- Can pesticides be used to kill head lice on laundry items?
No, pesticides are not necessary for laundry items. Hot water and high heat from the dryer are sufficient to eliminate adult lice and nits.
- How to identify head lice?
Adult lice are small, flattened insects, while nits are small, oval-shaped structures attached to hair follicles.
- Can head lice be eliminated in one day?
Yes, washing and drying washable items in hot water and high heat for at least one day can kill lice and nits. However, ongoing treatment of infested individuals and other areas of the home is necessary.
- How long do lice live?
Adult lice can live for about a month on a person’s head, while eggs and lice cannot survive for more than a week off the host.
- Does vinegar kill lice?
No, vinegar is not an effective lice treatment. Regular laundry detergent and high temperatures are sufficient for lice elimination.
