How to Clean Your Home After a Lice Outbreak: A Simple Guide for Parents in Encino

Hair Wizards
Aug 3
3 min read

Dealing with a head lice outbreak can be overwhelming, especially when you're unsure of what to do after the treatment is over. You’ve gotten the lice treatment done, maybe even from a professional lice clinic, but now what?

At Hair Wizards Salon, we believe lice care doesn’t stop with the scalp—it continues at home. Cleaning your home properly after a lice outbreak is key to preventing reinfestation. But don’t worry—we’ve broken it all down into a simple, stress-free checklist so you can get back to peace of mind.

Step 1: Begin with the Basics – Freshen Up Bedding & Linens

The first thing you want to tackle is the bedding. Strip the sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and comforters from all beds that the affected person has used. Wash them in hot water (at least 130°F) and dry them on high heat. Don’t forget about couch throws and sleepover blankets too!

Lice don’t live long off the scalp, but it’s still important to clean anything that’s come into close contact with the hair.

Step 2: Pillows, Stuffed Animals, and Other Soft Items

For items you can’t toss into the washer—like decorative pillows or your child’s beloved stuffed animals—seal them in a plastic bag for 48 hours. Lice and their eggs (nits) can’t survive without a host for more than a day or two.

Pro tip: If your child can’t part with their stuffed buddy, pop it in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes instead.

Step 3: Hair Tools and Accessories

It's easy to overlook the small stuff, but things like hair brushes, combs, headbands, and scrunchies need some love too. To make sure any stray lice are gone, soak them in hot water (at least 130°F) for about 10 minutes. No time for that? Toss them in the freezer overnight—it works just as well!

If your child visited our lice clinic in Encino, we may have already gone over this with you—but reminders never hurt!

And for future lice prevention, consider switching to tools designed for non-toxic lice treatment and enzyme lice treatment. They’re safer and gentler on the scalp and just as effective.

Step 4: Vacuum All the Right Places

Vacuuming is your best friend right now. Hit up the mattresses, couches, carpets, and even the car seats. You don’t need fancy sprays or chemicals—just a thorough vacuuming will do the trick.

Also pay attention to cloth-covered chairs, rugs, and the floor near beds and couches. And yes, lint rollers work great for quick surface cleanups!

Step 5: Laundry Reminders

Anything that came into contact with the affected person's head or upper body—hoodies, jackets, scarves—needs to go through the washer and dryer. Just follow the same hot water/high heat rule.

Step 6: Lice Screening & Follow-Up Care

After you’ve finished cleaning the house, make sure to follow up with a lice screening. Even if only one person was affected, it’s a good idea to do a second screening 7–10 days after the initial treatment. This gives you a chance to catch any sneaky lice or eggs that may have been missed the first time.

At Hair Wizards Salon, we’re here to make things a little easier for you. Our friendly team offers gentle, professional lice removal in a calm, comfortable setting. We use non-toxic, enzyme-based treatments that are safe and effective for the whole family. And we’ll be with you every step of the way—answering questions, offering support, and making sure you feel confident throughout the process.

Additional Resources for Families in Encino

Want to dive deeper into lice care? Check out these helpful reads from our blog:

Final Thoughts

Cleaning up after a lice outbreak doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With the right steps and support from a local lice clinic, you can protect your home and your family from future infestations.

Need help with head lice treatment or want to book a lice screening appointment? We’ve got you covered.

Visit our FAQ, browse our shop, or request an appointment today to get started with trusted lice care.