Dealing with lice infestations can be a nightmare, especially when it comes to getting rid of them on bedding. I recently had to deal with this problem and after trying various methods, I found some effective ways to get rid of lice on bedding.
Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Wash Bedding
The first step is to wash all bedding in hot water, which is at least 130ยฐF. This temperature kills lice and their eggs. Use a gentle detergent and avoid using fabric softeners or dryer sheets, as they can make the bedding less effective at repelling lice.
Step 2: Dry Bedding
Dry the bedding on high heat for at least 30 minutes. This will ensure that any remaining lice and eggs are killed. If possible, dry the bedding in direct sunlight, as the UV rays can help kill lice and their eggs.
Step 3: Vacuum Mattress
Vacuum the mattress thoroughly to remove any lice or eggs that may have fallen off the bedding. Pay special attention to the seams and crevices of the mattress.
Step 4: Encase Mattress
Encase the mattress in a bed bug-proof cover. This will prevent any remaining lice or eggs from escaping and reinfesting the bedding. Make sure the cover is labeled as bed bug-proof, as not all covers are effective against lice.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas
- Use a lice comb to remove lice and eggs from hair before sleeping on the bedding.
- Wash and dry bedding on the hottest setting possible.
- Use a steam cleaner on your mattress and pillows to kill any remaining lice and eggs.
- Use essential oils, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, to repel lice from bedding.
- Put stuffed animals and pillows in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Don’t share bedding or pillows with someone who has lice.
- Consider using a professional lice removal service if the infestation is severe.
- Use a lint roller to remove any lice or eggs from clothing before sleeping on the bedding.
- Vacuum the floor and any other surfaces that may have come into contact with lice or eggs.
- Be patient and persistent, as it may take several treatments to completely get rid of lice on bedding.
Pros and Cons
The pros of getting rid of lice on bedding include eliminating the risk of reinfestation and preventing the spread of lice to others. The cons include the time and effort required to effectively treat the bedding and the cost of professional lice removal services.
My Personal Review
After dealing with a lice infestation on bedding, I found that washing and drying on high heat, using a lice comb, and encasing the mattress in a bed bug-proof cover were the most effective ways to get rid of lice. It took several treatments to completely eliminate the infestation, but persistence paid off in the end.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Q: Can lice live on bedding?
A: Yes, lice can live on bedding for up to 48 hours. They can also lay eggs on bedding, which can hatch and cause a reinfestation.
Q: Can lice survive in the dryer?
A: No, lice cannot survive in temperatures above 130ยฐF, which is the temperature of most dryers on the high heat setting.
Q: Can I use bleach to kill lice on bedding?
A: Bleach is not recommended for killing lice on bedding, as it can damage the fabric and may not be effective at killing lice and their eggs.