Getting Rid Of Lice On Your Child's Stuffed Animals

Head lice have nearly become a rite of passage in public schools across the country. It also means that outbreaks are common in daycares and preschools. If your little one has been affected by a lice outbreak, you not only need to treat their hair, but also their bedding and stuffed animals. If you're new to the process, here's what you need to know to be sure that you don't re-introduce lice from poorly treated stuffed animals.

Are Stuffed Animals Really A Concern?

Many parents dismiss the importance of cleaning stuffed animals. While they don't provide any kind of food source for the lice, they can hold onto nits that will eventually hatch, which could start the infestation process all over again. That's why it's important to take the head lice threat seriously and not underestimate the importance of cleaning stuffed animals as well.

How Do You Kill Lice On Stuffed Animals?

There are several different ways to eliminate lice on stuffed animals. Some are more effective than others, but you'll have to decide which one is the best option for your current situation.

Heat - This is the most popular lice treatment option because heat will kill the lice, the nits, and everything. When you're dealing with stuffed animals, put them into the dryer on the highest heat setting. Make sure any stuffed animals that you treat this way are heat-safe by reading the tag on the stuffed animal. Otherwise, you might risk shrinking them by mistake.

Cold - Freezing the stuffed animals in a deep freezer for a day or two will also kill the lice. Just put them into the freezer in sealed bags. After a day or so, remove them from the freezer. Take the stuffed animals out of the bags and tie the bags before discarding them. Tumble dry the stuffed animals on low, then brush them with a soft brush before giving them back to your child.

Cleaning - Sometimes a thorough cleaning is enough to get rid of the infestation. If you've caught the lice early, you can start by vacuuming the stuffed animals with your vacuum cleaner then give them a sponge bath with warm, soapy water. Brush them dry with a paper towel, then either put them in the dryer or use a hair dryer to dry the fur.

These steps will help you to get rid of any residual lice on your child's stuffed animals. This is an important part of the process, as it will help you prevent any potential re-infestations.

Share