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 live without human contact.A mattress is ready to go in no time with standard washing and vacuuming.
Step 1: All bedding should be removed from your mattress.
You should include anything that has been in contact with the mattress, including stuffed animals and clothing.Don't let the bedding contact anyone or anything else.You don't want it to spread to other areas.
Step 2: All bedding needs to be washed in hot soapy water.
The water should be at least 130 F.The water temperature won't be enough to kill the lice.If items can't be washed, set them aside in a secure location and take them in to be dry cleaned as soon as possible.If dry cleaning is not an option, items can be placed in plastic bags and sealed for three days.
Step 3: As usual, dry all washed bedding.
During the drying phase, there are no instructions.You should keep washed bedding away from your mattress until you have a chance to treat it.
Step 4: You should vacuum your mattress and pillows.
The fastest and most effective way to remove lice is this method.A standard vacuum with a hose attachment is all you need.It is important to vacuum the mattress on each side.
Step 5: The top and sides of the box should be vacuumed.
It is a good idea to include the boxspring in your vacuuming to be safe.Before you put 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.Products 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 for humans.It isn't required to use sprays as 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 doesn't cause any problems.It is not a preventive measure to use a spray on your mattress.A spray won't stop the problem from happening again.
Step 7: Don't share items with head and hair contact.
Hats, scarves, coats, and head wraps are common items that aid in the spread of lice so it's best to avoid sharing them all together.If your family shares clothing frequently, it is a good idea to conduct regular head checks.There is a possibility that this is not the case.
Step 8: Avoid 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.The water needs to remain at 130F for ten minutes to be effective.
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 you.It may not be possible to avoid shared spaces entirely, but speaking with your child on best practices can go a long way in head lice prevention.