Bug-Free Beds
Lice are primarily a scalp problem, but it’s understandable to worry if they make their way into your bed. While lice can’t survive long on bedding — usually no more than 20 minutes — they can still cause concern. Here’s how to properly clean your bed and ensure that you’re preventing any further spread.
Wash All Bedding and Linens
Start by washing all bedding that might have come into contact with lice. While lice can’t live long on linens, it’s good to clean anything that may have fallen off the scalp.
- Launder sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water (at least 130°F) to ensure any lice or nits that may have fallen are cleaned away.
- Dry bedding on high heat to kill any potential lice or eggs.
- Wash any other fabric items that may have come into contact with the hair, like stuffed animals or blankets.
Clean the Rest of the Bed
Next, focus on cleaning the bed itself. This will ensure that any stray lice or nits that may have dropped onto the mattress are taken care of.
- Vacuum the mattress and bed frame to remove any stray lice or nits.
- Disinfect hard surfaces around the bed with a non-toxic cleaner.
- Focus on fabric-covered surfaces, especially if your child has spent a lot of time in the bed.
Take Preventative Measures
To prevent the lice from spreading, consider these practical tips to reduce the chance of re-infestation.
- Avoid direct head-to-head contact to prevent lice from spreading.
- Minimize shared spaces like beds and sofas while treatment is underway.
- Keep personal items separate, such as hats and brushes, to avoid re-infestation.
Get Treatment
The most effective way to tackle lice when an infestation happens is through professional treatment. While lice don’t stay long in your bed, ensuring they are completely gone from the scalp is essential to preventing further spread.
- Consult a professional lice removal service for a thorough comb-out and treatment plan. Experts can ensure all lice and nits are removed from the scalp.
- Follow the professional’s advice on any additional steps needed to prevent re-infestation, such as using a specialized comb-out method.
- Consider a follow-up session to make sure the treatment was effective and all lice are gone.
Looking for a professional clinic to evict the lice from your scalp? Visit the Lice Removal Network to find a lice clinic in your area!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long can lice live on a bed?
Lice can only survive off the scalp for about 20 minutes, so they don’t live long on bedding. However, it’s still a good idea to wash bedding to ensure any lice or eggs that may have fallen are removed.
What kills lice immediately?
Lice can be killed quickly through professional treatment, including using a lice comb to remove them manually or through specialized, lice-killing products prescribed by a doctor.
How do you clean bedding after lice?
To clean bedding after a lice infestation, wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill any remaining lice or nits.