My Experience With Lice-Infested Bedding
As a parent, discovering that your child has lice can be a nightmare. When my daughter came home from school with lice, it felt like the end of the world. We immediately began treating her hair, but I soon realized that we also had to deal with the bedding. After doing some research and trial and error, I learned some tips and tricks for what to do with bedding when you have lice.
What to Do With Bedding When You Have Lice: Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Remove All Bedding
The first step is to remove all bedding. This includes sheets, pillowcases, comforters, and any stuffed animals or pillows that have been in contact with the infested person’s hair.
Step 2: Wash in Hot Water
Wash all of the bedding in hot water. The water should be at least 130°F to kill the lice and their eggs. If you can’t wash the bedding in hot water, you can put it in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Vacuum the Mattress
Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly vacuum the mattress. Pay special attention to seams and crevices where lice and their eggs may be hiding.
Step 4: Use a Lice Spray
You can use a lice spray on the mattress and other furniture to kill any remaining lice and their eggs. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label.
Step 5: Bag the Bedding
After washing and drying the bedding, put it in a plastic bag and seal it tightly. This will prevent any remaining lice or eggs from getting back onto the bedding. You can also leave the bedding in the bag for a few days to ensure that any remaining lice or eggs are dead.
Top 10 Tips and Ideas on What to Do With Bedding When You Have Lice
- Wash all bedding in hot water or high heat dryer for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a lice spray on the mattress and other furniture.
- Thoroughly vacuum the mattress and other furniture.
- Bag the bedding in a plastic bag and seal it tightly.
- Leave the bedding in the bag for a few days to ensure that any remaining lice or eggs are dead.
- Use a lice comb to remove any remaining lice or eggs from the hair.
- Wash all clothing and towels in hot water.
- Put stuffed animals and pillows in the dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes.
- Use a hot iron on any clothing or bedding that cannot be washed.
- Repeat the process in 7-10 days to ensure that any remaining lice or eggs are gone.
Pros and Cons of What to Do With Bedding When You Have Lice
Pros:
- Kills lice and their eggs
- Prevents re-infestation
- Easy to do at home
Cons:
- Can be time-consuming
- May not be effective if not done properly
- May need to replace bedding if heavily infested
My Personal Review and Suggestion on What to Do With Bedding When You Have Lice
After dealing with lice-infested bedding, I can say that it is definitely a time-consuming process. However, it is also necessary to prevent re-infestation. I found that washing the bedding in hot water and using a lice spray on the mattress were the most effective methods. Bagging the bedding and leaving it for a few days also gave me peace of mind that any remaining lice or eggs were dead. Overall, I would recommend following these steps to anyone dealing with lice-infested bedding.
Question & Answer and FAQs
Can lice live on bedding?
Yes, lice can live on bedding for up to 48 hours. It is important to wash all bedding in hot water or put it in the dryer on high heat to kill any lice or eggs.
Do I need to replace my bedding if it has lice?
If your bedding is heavily infested with lice, it may be necessary to replace it. However, washing it in hot water and using a lice spray can usually kill any lice or eggs.
How often should I repeat the process?
You should repeat the process in 7-10 days to ensure that any remaining lice or eggs are gone.