After Care Home Treatment Plan
Follow these steps after your lice removal treatment to prevent re-infestation
In the battle against head lice, directly treating the hair is the most effective approach. Unfortunately, there is always a chance that lice could also be found on household items such as hair brushes, towels, bedding, and other items that have had direct contact with lice-infected hair. Luckily, it is not necessary to discard your belongings — most items are completely treatable. The Lice Clinic recommends following these directions carefully to prevent re-infestation and to ensure the success of your lice treatment.
Clothing Worn During Treatment
Remove all clothing worn before and during treatment. Place worn clothing in the laundry to be washed and dried. No need to do a sanitary cycle, just a regular wash. Do not wear any clothing that has NOT been washed since before treatment, including pajamas. Replace all used bedding and towels prior to treatment, then wash and dry them. Simply, clean bedding, clean towel after shower and clean pajamas.
The 48-Hour Rule — Most Items Don't Need Washing
Studies have shown that lice cannot live without a human host for longer than 48 hours. If clothing has NOT been worn within the past two days, it does not need laundering.
If you have any doubts, place items in a dryer for 20 minutes on high heat. Lice are very temperature-sensitive and will quickly die in a dry, hot environment. This works for items that can't be laundered — backpacks, gym bags, baseball hats, and more.
⏱ KEY TIP: 20 minutes on high heat in the dryer kills lice on any item that cannot be washed.
Hair Accessories — No Need to Throw Them Away
Don't throw away the hair brushes or hair ties. Gather all hair ties, combs, and brushes in the house and remove any stray hairs. Place all hair accessories in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer overnight. They will be ready to use in the morning — freezing kills lice effectively.
Bedding & Furniture
Wash and dry all bedding including pillowcases. Place throw blankets and comforters in the dryer for 20 minutes on high. You do NOT need to vacuum beds or sofas — lice cannot burrow into furniture. Leather couches can be wiped down. Fabric furniture can simply be covered with an oversized sheet for 2 to 3 days — lice will die underneath. Car seats can be covered with beach towels. Unless you or your children regularly rub your head on the carpet, it is not necessary to treat or vacuum the carpet.
Stuffed Animals, Toys & Dress-Up Items
Do not forget items your child sleeps with — blankets, dolls, and stuffed animals can be put aside for 2 to 3 days, or placed in the dryer for 20 minutes on high heat.
The dress-up box is a common re-infestation site that families often forget. Put the box aside for 2 to 3 days, or place items in the dryer for 20 minutes.
Quick Key Reminders
Dryer = Your Best Friend
20 min on high heat kills lice and nits on any item
48-Hour Rule
Lice can't live without a host so items not worn in 2 days don't need laundering.
Freeze Hair Accessories
Put hair brushes and other hard to wash hair accessories over night to freezer
Cover Furniture, Don't Vacuum
A sheet over furniture for 2–3 days is enough
Car Seat and Car Headrest
Cover the car seat with a large towel for 2 days.
Don't Worry About the Mattress
Just change the sheets, lice don't burrow, no need to wash pillows or vacuum the mattress.