Finding out that lice have invaded your home is never fun, and the thought of cleaning everything can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! While lice are pesky, they can be dealt with efficiently if you know what to do. Whether you’ve had a family member dealing with lice or you’re trying to prevent them from spreading further, cleaning your house thoroughly is key. And guess what? It doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems! In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean the house after lice, covering everything from what you need to clean to how to do it right. Plus, I’ll be throwing in some handy tips along the way. So, let’s get started!
Start With the Person First
Before you dive into house cleaning, make sure the person or people who had lice have been treated. Head lice can’t survive for long away from a human host (usually no more than 24-48 hours), so the first thing to do is use lice treatment on anyone in your household who might be infected. A variety of treatments are available over-the-counter, such as special shampoos or lotions. After treatment, make sure you comb through the hair with a fine-toothed lice comb to remove any remaining lice or nits (lice eggs). Once everyone is lice-free, you can move on to cleaning the house.
Focus on Bedding and Clothing
Lice loves to cling to fabrics, so bedding and clothing are the first things you should tackle. Strip all the beds and wash the sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and any stuffed animals that were on the bed. Use hot water to wash these items, followed by a high-heat setting in the dryer. The heat is what kills both lice and their eggs. Anything that can’t be washed, like delicate pillows or large stuffed animals, can be placed in a plastic bag and sealed for 48 hours. Without access to a host, lice will die off. Just leave the items in the bag for a couple of days, and you’re good to go!
Take Care of Your Furniture
When it comes to furniture, especially upholstered pieces, lice can hide in cushions, throws, and pillows. Vacuuming is your best friend here. Vacuum all couches, chairs, and any other soft furnishings in the house, focusing on areas where the person with lice sat or slept. Be sure to vacuum under the cushions and in any crevices where lice or their eggs might be hiding. If you have leather or vinyl furniture, just wipe it down with a damp cloth. Lice can’t really cling to these surfaces, so there’s no need for deep cleaning.
Clean Hair Accessories and Tools
We often forget about the little things, but combs, brushes, and hair accessories can be a hotbed for lice if they’ve been in contact with infested hair. Don’t panic! Cleaning them is easy. Soak all hair tools in hot water (at least 130°F) for about 10 minutes. You can also disinfect them with rubbing alcohol or simply toss them into the dishwasher for a cycle. Be sure to clean hair ties, headbands, and hats, too—either by washing them or placing them in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours.
Floors and Carpets
Next, turn your attention to the floors, especially if you have carpet. While lice are more likely to cling to your scalp or fabric items, they can fall onto the floor as well. To be safe, vacuum all carpets, rugs, and any floor mats in your home. For hardwood, tile, or laminate floors, a simple sweep and mop should suffice. Since lice can’t live long on these types of surfaces, you don’t need to go too overboard.
Wash Towels and Linens
Did the person with lice use towels or linens recently? If so, those need to be washed too. Towels, bathrobes, and any cloth used to dry hair or wipe faces should be thrown in the washer. Again, use hot water and high heat in the dryer to ensure the lice are completely gone. While you’re at it, consider washing other frequently touched linens like sofa throws or blankets you keep in the living room. Lice can’t live long on these, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t Forget the Car
This one’s often overlooked! If the person with lice was in the car, you’ll want to clean the seats and any fabric surfaces inside. Much like with furniture, vacuuming is the easiest way to handle this. Focus on the headrests, seatbacks, and any cushions where the person might have leaned. For leather seats, a quick wipe-down with a damp cloth should do the trick.
Keep Up With Routine Cleaning
Once you’ve done the initial deep clean, it’s all about keeping things tidy over the next few weeks to ensure no lice survived. Continue washing bedding, clothing, and towels regularly. Vacuuming carpets and upholstery every few days can also help. Lice should be gone after 48 hours, but it’s always good to stay vigilant.
Consider Hiring Professional Cleaning Services
If the idea of cleaning every nook and cranny of your house still feels overwhelming we get it, lice can make anyone anxious, you might want to think about hiring a professional cleaning service. A company like House Cleaning Abbotsford can take care of all the heavy-duty cleaning for you, leaving your home spotless and lice-free without the stress. Professional cleaners have experience dealing with situations like these and can make sure nothing is missed, from deep cleaning your furniture to thoroughly vacuuming carpets and other fabrics. It’s a great way to give yourself peace of mind after dealing with a lice infestation.
Preventing Lice From Returning
Cleaning your house after lice is important, but preventing them from returning is equally crucial. Here are some quick tips to keep those pesky critters from making a comeback:
Regular Hair Checks: If you have kids, especially those in school or daycare, check their hair regularly for lice. Catching it early can prevent it from spreading through the household.
Avoid Sharing Hair Tools: Make it a household rule that everyone uses their own combs, brushes, and hair accessories. Sharing these items can easily spread lice.
Teach Kids About Lice Prevention: Encourage your kids to avoid head-to-head contact with friends and avoid sharing hats or headphones, especially during an outbreak at school.
Clean and Disinfect Hair Tools Regularly: Even when no one has lice, it’s a good idea to clean hairbrushes, combs, and hair accessories regularly.
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Final Thoughts
Dealing with lice can feel daunting, but once you’ve treated the person and cleaned your house, you’re well on your way to being lice-free. Remember to focus on the key areas like bedding, clothing, furniture, and carpets. And don’t forget those little items like hair tools and car seats! If cleaning the house after lice seems like a lot, professional help is always an option. House Cleaning Abbotsford can make the whole process easier and more thorough, so you can rest assured knowing your home is free of lice. Good luck, and don’t worry—this too shall pass!
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