How to Wash Bedding That Contains Lice

How to Wash Bedding That Contains Lice
Written By
Kimbry Parker
Kimbry Parker
Published: Sep 24, 2013
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
2 minute read

In order to control a lice outbreak in your home, one of the first steps you need to take after ridding the hair of lice is to wash the bedding that was exposed to lice. Pillows, blankets, sheets and comforters must be washed properly to not only kill the adult lice, but also the eggs.

  1. Place the bedding in the washing machine. Set the machine to the hottest water temperature -- it should be a minimum of 130 degrees Fahrenheit -- and add laundry detergent to the machine.

  2. Run the bedding through a complete wash cycle. Take the bedding out and place items that can be machine-dried in the dryer. Hang the other items over a drying rack or bannister to air-dry.

  3. Run the bedding through a complete dry cycle using high heat. Dry the bedding for a minimum of 20 minutes.

The Drip Cap

  • Lice are small parasites that suck blood, and move and multiply quickly.
  • Pillows, blankets, sheets and comforters must be washed properly to not only kill the adult lice, but also the eggs.
  • Run the bedding through a complete wash cycle.

Photo Credits

Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Kimbry Parker

Kimbry Parker has been writing since 1998 and has published content on various websites. Parker has experience writing on a variety of topics such as health, parenting, home improvement and decorating. She is a graduate of Purdue…

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