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How to Treat Lice With Listerine. If your children are in school, you're likely to experience lice. Getting it has nothing to do with cleanliness. They actually prefer clean hair because their nits (eggs) can stick to it better than dirty hair. There are many ways to treat lice. Consider using Listerine as an alternative as its large percentage of alcohol can kill the lice.

Cover the facial area and ears completely and leave only the hair exposed. Cover the floor and surrounding items or furniture with bags or blankets.

Pour Listerine in a spray bottle. You'll need different amounts based on hair length.

Put on gloves if you'll be the one spraying. Lift the hair ends and spray the scalp completely. Slowly work your way from the roots to the tips of the hair. Make sure the hair is saturated.

Cover the hair with a shower cap or a plastic grocery bag. If the hair is long, twist it into a bun so that the bag or cap completely covers the head. Allow it to dry at least 2 hours.

Use a lice comb to work through the hair. This combing will remove the nits or pull any remaining nits by hand. If you notice any live lice, treat again.

Tip

Do not use the flavored varieties of Listerine since they contain sugar and will cause stickiness in the hair.

Warning

The mist from the spray bottle should not be breathed in. Be cautious to protect the eyes and face of both people. Don't forget to treat other items that have been possibly contaminated. Wash sheets, hats and clothes in a tablespoon of Listerine in the rinse water and soak all hair brushes in the product. Do not use if the scalp has any open sores as it will burn. Keep the product out of reach of all children during and after use.