Should you wash your bedding if you have head lice? Here's our advice!

Head lice: it's a topic no one likes to talk about, but almost everyone—especially parents—will have to deal with sooner or later. As soon as you discover head lice, the question arises: should you wash all your bedding now, or is that excessive? We've compiled the facts and our advice for you.

What does the RIVM say?

The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands) indicates that measures other than immediate treatment and communicating that you have head lice are unnecessary. According to scientific studies, head lice spread primarily through direct hair-to-hair contact. This means that the risk of infection via bedding, stuffed animals, or clothing is very small.

However, there are exceptions.

Technically, the RIVM is correct. The chance of lice being transmitted via bedding or clothing is indeed small. However, there are also studies that show that in some cases, head lice can be transmitted via hair-to-skin contact or via secondary objects (such as coats, combs, or brushes). Head lice can survive for up to 24 hours outside the head, and during that time they can sometimes migrate to a new victim.

Our advice: better safe than sorry

At Head Lice Clinic, we recommend not only treating the lice, but also taking some simple precautions:

- Communicate with those around you

Inform the school, daycare, and other relevant parties. This way, they can also be alert and take any necessary measures.

- Wash bedding on the day of treatment

Wash pillowcases, sheets, and any stuffed animals at a minimum of 60 degrees Celsius. This ensures that any remaining lice or nits are killed.

- Clean brushes and combs thoroughly

Clean combs and brushes thoroughly. You can also put them in the freezer for four hours to kill any lice.

Questions? We're happy to help!

- Be careful with stuffed animals and coats.

Put unwashable stuffed animals in a sealed plastic bag for 24 hours or put them in the freezer. Hang potentially contaminated coats aside for a day.

If you still have questions or would like personal advice after reading this article, please feel free to leave a message on our website.