How can lice be killed on a comb? - briefly
Disinfect the comb by immersing it in boiling water for at least five minutes or soaking it in 70 % isopropyl alcohol, then rinse and dry thoroughly. After treatment, run the comb through wet, conditioned hair to mechanically remove and kill any remaining insects.
How can lice be killed on a comb? - in detail
Effective elimination of head‑lice stages from a comb requires a combination of mechanical removal and chemical or thermal disinfection.
Begin with a thorough mechanical extraction. Use a fine‑toothed nit comb, preferably metal, and run it through wet hair from scalp to ends. Apply a generous amount of a lice‑killing lotion, shampoo, or conditioner containing permethrin, pyrethrin, dimethicone, or a similar pediculicide. The product should remain on the hair for the manufacturer‑specified duration, typically 10 minutes, to ensure contact with both live insects and nits. While the hair stays saturated, repeatedly brush the comb through the strands, flushing out any dislodged specimens into a disposable container.
After mechanical removal, disinfect the comb itself. Follow one of these proven methods:
- Boiling water: Submerge the comb in water at 100 °C for at least 5 minutes. This temperature kills all developmental stages of the parasite and destroys any residual eggs.
- Steam treatment: Expose the comb to steam from a kettle or dedicated garment steamer for a minimum of 10 minutes. Ensure the entire surface receives direct vapor.
- Isopropyl alcohol soak: Immerse the comb in 70 % isopropanol for 10 minutes, then rinse with hot water and air‑dry. Alcohol denatures proteins, rapidly exterminating lice and nits.
- Diluted bleach solution: Prepare a mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water. Soak the comb for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly to remove any chemical residue.
- Dishwasher cycle: Place the comb on the top rack of a dishwasher and run a normal wash cycle with a heated drying phase; temperatures above 70 °C are sufficient for eradication.
Regardless of the chosen disinfection technique, dry the comb completely before reuse to prevent re‑colonization. Store the cleaned tool in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container until the next application.
Regular repetition of the mechanical combing process, combined with consistent disinfection after each use, provides comprehensive control over lice infestations and minimizes the risk of reinfestation.