Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to sanitize your entire house after a family member has been infected with head lice. In fact, some experts suggest that because head lice only survive one to two days away from the human scalp, they may die before you get around to cleaning at all. Be sure to focus on the individual infected with head lice before you consider cleaning areas around the house. Follow the cleaning list below for help.

1. The Bedroom

• Wash all bedding, including pillowcases, sheets and blankets.
• Wash any clothing that may have been worn during the lice infestation, especially hats.
• If the head lice carrier was a child, consider washing stuffed animals.

2. The Bathroom

• Wash all exposed towels and washcloths.
• Clean and disinfect combs, brushes and other exposed hair accessories with soap and water.

3. The Furniture

• Wipe down leather and vinyl furniture with a disinfecting cleaning solution.
• Thoroughly vacuum upholstered furniture, along with carpeting and rugs.

4. The Car

• Wipe down leather and vinyl car seats with a cleaning solution.
• Vacuum upholstered seats, along with rugs and carpets.

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