How to Remove Lice From Helmets

Head lice can spread easily, especially among children since they tend to come in close contact with other youngsters. Even when a child's hair is treated for head lice, the infestation can persist if the adult lice and louse eggs--also known as nits--remain on clothing, bedding and objects such as helmets and hair brushes. Washing clothing in hot water and a drying on a hot setting is an effective way to kill head lice, but a bicycle helmet, baseball helmet and other protective head gear cannot be laundered. So an alternate method must be used to kill lice and nits in a helmet to avoid a re-infestation of head lice.

Detach any removable pads or helmet liners and immediately place them in the washing machine, along with any other items (i.e., bedding or clothing) that have been in contact with the louse-infested individual.

How to Clean Hair Brushes & Lice

Learn More

Wash all removable helmet padding and helmet liners in hot water with bleach and detergent.

Dry fabric helmet liners on a hot dryer setting. Any foam pieces must be allowed to air dry in an outdoor location.

How to Kill Lice With Extreme Cold

Learn More

Place the helmet, foam padding and liners inside a large Ziploc bag. Immediately seal the bag.

Place the sealed bag inside the freezer for 24 hours. If outdoor temperatures are going to be below the freezing mark for 24 hours, the bag can be placed outside. The freezing temperatures will kill the lice and nits 1.

Tips

Do not place foam in the dryer. All bedding, clothing, hair brushes, furniture, helmets and other items must be cleaned on the same day that the affected individual is treated for head lice. This will lessen the chances of cross-contamination.