Dealing with a lice infestation can be a challenging and stressful experience. Beyond addressing the issue of the affected person, it’s essential to ensure that your home is also free from lice and nits to prevent a re-infestation. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to thoroughly clean house after lice have invaded.
Understanding the Clean House After Lice
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of cleaning, it’s crucial to understand a few basics about lice and their lifespan. Lice cannot survive more than two days away from a human host. Therefore, it’s not necessary to deep clean your entire house. However, you should focus on areas where the infested person has spent time in the last two days.
Step 1: Laundry Time
One of the first steps in cleaning your house after a lice infestation is to launder all bedding, clothing, and other items used by the infested person in hot water. Set the water temperature to at least 130°F, and don’t forget to dry them on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. This heat will effectively kill any lice or nits present.
Pro Tip: Items that can’t be washed or dried in hot water should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks to ensure any remaining lice or nits are eliminated.
Step 2: Vacuum Everything
Your next task is to thoroughly vacuum all carpets, furniture, and surfaces in the infested person’s bedroom and other areas they’ve frequented. Pay close attention to areas where lice or nits may have fallen, such as behind headboards, under mattresses, and even in car seats.
Step 3: Treat Combs and Brushes
The tools used on the infested person should also be properly sanitized. Soak combs and brushes in hot water (130°F) for 5-10 minutes. This will ensure that any lice or nits on them are effectively killed.
Step 4: Disinfect Hard Surfaces
To prevent the potential spread of lice, it’s essential to disinfect hard surfaces that the infested person may have come into contact with. This includes doorknobs, light switches, and countertops. You can use a bleach-free disinfectant or a mixture of one part vinegar to four parts water for this purpose.
Additional Tips to Ensure Lice-Free Living
While the above steps are crucial, here are some additional tips to consider:
- Check Your Pets: If you have pets, it’s also a good idea to check them for lice and nits. If you find any, make sure to treat them with a lice medication designed for pets.
- When in Doubt, Clean: If you’re unsure whether an item needs to be cleaned, it’s better to err on the side of caution and clean it. This extra effort will ensure the thorough eradication of lice.
- Seek Professional Guidance: If you have any questions or concerns about lice infestations or cleaning, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or a lice specialist for expert advice.
Conclusion
Clean house after lice infestation might seem like a daunting task, but by following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your home is lice-free. Remember that prompt and thorough action is key to preventing a re-infestation. By focusing on the areas where the infested person has spent time and following the guidelines provided, you can regain peace of mind and a lice-free environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can lice infest the entire house?
A1: Lice cannot live more than two days away from a human host, so they won’t infest your entire house. Focus on cleaning areas the infested person has been in recently.
Q2: What temperature should I use for washing and drying infested items?
A2: To effectively kill lice and nits, use hot water (at least 130°F) for washing and high heat for drying (at least 30 minutes).
Q3: How can I disinfect hard surfaces without using bleach?
A3: You can use a bleach-free disinfectant or create a mixture of one part vinegar to four parts water to disinfect hard surfaces.
Q4: Should I clean items that can’t be washed in hot water?
A4: Seal non-washable items in plastic for two weeks to kill lice and nits.
Q5: Do I need to clean my house after a lice infestation?
A5: No, you don’t need to clean the entire house. Focus on specific areas where the infested person has spent time in the last two days to prevent re-infestation.
