How To Get Rid Of Lice On Clothes And Bedding

Lice are tiny, wingless insects that can infest the scalp, body, and clothing. Head lice are the most common type, but body lice and pubic lice can also occur. Lice can spread through close contact with an infested person or by sharing clothing or bedding. Once lice have infested a person's clothing or bedding, they can be difficult to get rid of. However, there are a few things you can do to kill lice and prevent them from spreading.

Steps To Get Rid Of Lice On Clothes And Bedding

1. Wash Clothes And Bedding In Hot Water: The first step in getting rid of lice on clothes and bedding is to wash them in hot water. The water should be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius) to kill the lice. If you don't have a washing machine, you can boil the clothes and bedding in a large pot of water.

2. Dry Clothes And Bedding On High Heat: After washing the clothes and bedding, dry them on the highest heat setting your dryer allows. The heat will help to kill any remaining lice or nits (lice eggs).

3. Vacuum Your House: Vacuuming your house thoroughly can help to remove any lice or nits that may have fallen off of your clothes or bedding. Be sure to vacuum all of the floors, furniture, and upholstery.

4. Treat Your Mattress: If you have lice, you should also treat your mattress to prevent the lice from spreading. You can do this by sprinkling diatomaceous earth on your mattress. Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. It is a natural insecticide that will kill lice and nits. You can also encase your mattress in a zippered mattress cover. This will prevent lice from getting to your mattress.

5. Check Yourself And Your Family For Lice: Once you have treated your clothes, bedding, and mattress, you should check yourself and your family for lice. If you find any lice or nits, you should treat your scalp with a lice shampoo. You can also use a lice comb to remove lice and nits from your hair.

Tips For Preventing Lice

• Avoid close contact with people who are infested with lice.
• Do not share clothing or bedding with someone who has lice.
• Check your hair and scalp regularly for lice and nits.
• Treat your hair with a lice shampoo if you find any lice or nits.
• Vacuum your house thoroughly to remove any lice or nits that may have fallen off of your clothes or bedding.
• Keep your hair clean and dry.
• Tie your hair back in a ponytail or bun if you have long hair.