Lice are a common nuisance that can easily spread from person to person through close contact. They can live in clothing, bedding, furniture, and other household items, including pillows. But do you really need to throw away all your pillows if someone in the household has lice? Let’s take a closer look at whether pillows need to be discarded when treating a lice infestation.
Can lice live in pillows?
Lice cannot live very long away from a human host. Their main food source is human blood. Without a regular blood meal, lice will die within 1-2 days. However, lice eggs can survive away from a human host for up to 10 days. So, while live lice cannot survive for more than a couple days in pillows, lice eggs could potentially survive on a pillow for up to 10 days waiting to hatch.
In addition, lice prefer attaching to head hair rather than resting on soft surfaces like pillows. They gravitate towards the warmth and food source on the human scalp. So while stray lice or eggs may end up on a pillow, the pillow is not an ideal habitat for a lice infestation.
Can you kill lice by washing pillows?
Washing pillows in hot water is an effective way to kill any lice or eggs that may be present. Lice and eggs cannot survive temperatures above 53°C (127°F). Most home washers can reach these high temperatures, especially on a hot or sanitizing cycle.
Here are some tips for washing pillows to kill lice:
- Check pillow labels and wash in the hottest water recommended.
- Add an extra rinse cycle to remove all traces of detergent.
- Dry on the highest heat setting or tumble dry for 20-30 minutes.
- If pillows are not machine washable, have them dry cleaned.
As long as pillows are thoroughly washed and dried on high heat, any lice or eggs should be killed in the process.
Should you throw away pillows if you have lice?
Throwing away all pillows in a home when one person has lice is usually not necessary. As long as pillowcases are washed frequently and pillows themselves are washed or dry cleaned, this should kill any lice or eggs present.
However, there are some cases when you may want to discard pillows if lice are problematic:
- If pillows are old and worn, it may be best to replace them.
- For pillows that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, disposal is safest.
- If lice persist after washing pillows, disposal may be the best option.
Be selective about which pillows are discarded. Pillows that have been isolated from the person with lice probably do not need to be thrown out. Focus on pillows that have been in direct contact with the affected person’s head and hair.
Tips for saving pillows when you have lice
Here are some tips to help salvage pillows rather than throwing them away when dealing with a lice problem:
- Encase pillows in covers: Waterproof pillow encasements can keep lice contained.
- Freeze pillows: Freezing pillows overnight can kill lice and eggs.
- Dry clean: Take pillows to a dry cleaner if they are not washer/dryer safe.
- Spot treat: Use lice treatment spray or steam on affected areas only.
- Isolate: Keep pillows separated from the person with lice for 10+ days.
Are pillow protectors enough for lice?
Pillow protectors or encasements can provide a barrier between pillows and lice, but may not be enough protection on their own. The microscopic eggs can potentially squeeze through small gaps like zippers or stitching.
So while pillow encasements can help, it is recommended to also treat the pillows inside with high heat or lice-killing chemicals. An integrated approach provides the best protection.
Should you replace your pillows after lice?
Replacing pillows is usually not required after a lice infestation, as long as the pillows have been treated and disinfected properly. However, there are some cases when replacement may be a good idea:
- If pillows are very old or worn.
- If pillows are damaged from improper treatment.
- If lice persist after attempts to disinfect.
- For peace of mind and a fresh start after lice.
New pillows provide the guarantee of a lice-free surface. But as long as existing pillows are washed, dried, steam cleaned, or otherwise disinfected, they should be safe to continue using.
Conclusion
Throwing away all pillows is usually not necessary when treating lice. The key is to fully disinfect and kill any lice or eggs in bedding with high heat drying, dry cleaning, or other chemical treatment. Pillow protectors can also help isolate pillows. Replace pillows only if they are too old or worn to salvage, or if lice persist after treatment.
With some time and diligence, most pillows can be saved after a lice infestation. Treat the lice properly at the source – on affected people’s heads – and take measures to disinfect bedding and other items that come in close head contact. This approach will help eliminate lice and allow most pillows to be kept in use.