If you or a family member have been diagnosed with lice, you want to make sure the mattresses in your home are free of the parasites before you sleep.While the process to treat lice on your head and body can feel like a nuisance, you will be relieved to know that it is not possible to survive more than 24 hours without human contact.A mattress is ready to go in no time if you wash it and vacuum it.
Step 1: All bedding should be removed from your mattress.
Anything that has been in contact with the mattress should be included.Don't let the bedding come in contact with anyone or anything else.You don't want it to spread to other areas.
Step 2: The bedding should be washed in hot soapy water.
The water needs to be at least 130 F.The water temperature isn't enough to kill the lice.If items can't be washed, set them aside in a secure location and take them to be dry cleaned as soon as possible.If dry cleaning isn't an option, items can be placed in plastic bags and sealed for three days.
Step 3: All bedding should be dry as usual.
There are no instructions during the drying phase.You should keep washed bedding away from your mattress until you can treat it.
Step 4: The mattress and pillows need to be vacuumed.
The fastest and most effective way to remove lice is this method.A standard vacuum with a hose attachment is all that is needed.It is important to vacuum the mattress on each side.
Step 5: The top and sides of your box should be vacuumed.
If you want to be safe, you should include the boxspring in your vacuuming.Before putting a clean sheet on your mattress, make sure the box spring has been vacuumed.
Step 6: You can spray a product on your mattress.
There are many different types of treatment sprays for bed and household furniture.Medical supplies can be purchased at a pharmacy.People aren't intended to be treated by sprays of this nature.You should always check the label of any spray you use to make sure it is safe.A spray is a good finishing option.Since there is no human contact, washing and vacuuming alone is usually enough to remove all of them.If you have pets, make sure the spray is safe for them.It is not a preventive measure to have a spray on your mattress.A spray won't stop it from happening again.
Step 7: Don't share items that have head and hair contact.
Hats, scarves, coats, and head wraps are common items that aid in the spread of lice so it is best to avoid sharing them all together.If your family shares clothing frequently, it is a good idea to conduct regular head checks..
Step 8: Eliminate head-to-head contact.
This applies to children in a school setting who play sports.It is a good idea to be aware of the potential for head-to-head contact at sleepovers.There are a lot of kids at the playground.
Step 9: Don't share combs, brushes, or head towels.
If you need to use someone else's comb or brush, you should soak it in hot soapy water for ten minutes.For the full ten minutes, the water must remain at 130F.
Step 10: Sharing clothing spaces like hat rack and coat rack is not a good idea.
For children who spend their days at school, this is also true.When your child's belongings are stored in these areas, they can easily be passed on to other people.It may not be possible to avoid shared spaces altogether, but speaking with your child on best practices can go a long way in head lice prevention.