How to Get Rid of Lice From Pillows & Furniture

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Things You'll Need

  • Laundry detergent

  • Plastic bags

  • Vacuum cleaner

Inspect the bedroom of the person infected for evidence of lice.

Children in traditional school settings easily spread head lice to each other. According to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, you should focus your energy on thoroughly removing the lice and eggs from your child's hair to prevent re-infestation. Lice do not roam around looking for hosts and usually die within two days without one. You should take precautions, though, in rooms frequented by the affected person, especially the bedroom. In those areas, inspect pillows, other bedding and furniture for lice, eggs and fecal matter. When you find evidence of lice, choose one of several methods to get rid of them.

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Step 1

Wash pillows in hot water in the washing machine. Dry them in the dryer using the hottest setting for at least 20 minutes. Read the care labels first to confirm the suitability of this method for your particular pillows.

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Step 2

Store non-washable pillows in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks. Alternatively, place the pillows in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer for 24 hours. Vacuum the pillows afterward to get rid of the dead lice, dead eggs and any fecal matter from the lice.

Step 3

Vacuum the furniture with the upholstery attachment and dispose of the vacuum bag or dump the debris-collection canister outdoors. You can also vacuum pillows if you did not wash, store or freeze them.

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