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  2. Household Cleaning Instructions for Head Louse Control

Household Cleaning Instructions for Head Louse Control

 

HOUSEHOLD CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
FOR HEAD LOUSE CONTROL
 
 
Adult head lice can live up to 2 days on personal items, stuffed animals, household surfaces, clothing, and bed linens. All these items and anything they may have come into contact with should be disinfected.
 
1.     Machine-wash all clothing, linens and personal items in water that is at least 130 degrees F, then dry them in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes. Allow time for water to heat to the proper temperature between loads.
2.     Dry clean items that cannot be washed, or seal them in a tightly closed plastic bag. Do not open the bag for 14 days: then take it outside, open and shake the items vigorously to remove dead lice and eggs. Disinfect bike or sports helmets by vacuuming.
3.     Soak all combs and brushes in hot water—at least 130 degrees F for 10 minutes. Inspect for eggs (nits) and rinse thoroughly before using again.
4.     Thoroughly vacuum everything, including carpeting, mattresses, household and auto upholstery. Take the vacuum outside the house to change the bag. Seal used disposable vacuum bags in another plastic bag and discard in the trash.
5.     Use the following checklist when disinfecting house:
 
   ____ Combs and brushes                           ____ Baseball caps
   ____ Head bands                                         ____ Bike/sports gear
   ____ Barrettes/hair ornaments                    ____ Headphones
   ____ Clothing                                                ____ Home/auto upholstery
   ____ Bed linens                                            ____ Rugs, Carpeting
   ____ Mattresses, pillows, pillow cases       ____ Play mats
   ____ Towels                                                 ____ Stuffed animals/toys
   ____ Hats                                                     ____  Hair rollers
   ____ Coats, scarves, earmuffs, gloves      ____ Sleeping bags
   ____ Car seats