🧼 To Clean or Not to Clean?
Good news — you don’t need to turn your house upside down!
Studies show that head lice live on heads, not in homes. Lice are parasites that require the warmth and humidity of the human scalp to survive — they simply cannot live long off the head.
At Minnesota Lice Lady, every recommendation we give is backed by science and real-world experience. Our cleaning and removal guidelines are based on case studies and established research in lice behavior—so you can feel confident you're getting advice that works.
What the Research Shows
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0% lice found on 1,000 hats worn by children with active infestations of over 5,500 lice
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4% of pillowcases used by infested individuals had live lice
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0 lice found on the floors of 108 classrooms, despite over 14,000 lice on students
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So What Should You Do?
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While intensive cleaning isn’t necessary, we understand peace of mind matters. Here's our simple, science-backed advice:
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Boil brushes, combs, and hair ties in water for 10 minutes
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Dry pillowcases, sheets, and clothes worn in the past 48 hours on high heat for 30 minutes
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Set aside any stuffed animals or soft items for 24–48 hours (optional)
That's it! No need to vacuum your mattress or bag your child’s toys.
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Lice Spread Through Heads, Not Houses
Lice are transmitted by head-to-head contact, not from furniture, carpets, or pets. The best prevention?
🌀 Hair up in a tight braid, bun, or under a hat during outbreaks or active cases.