How can lice be removed from a comb? - briefly
Soak the comb in water hot enough to reach at least 130 °F (54 °C) for about 10 minutes, then scrub it with a nail brush or old toothbrush to detach any remaining insects. Rinse well and air‑dry before using again.
How can lice be removed from a comb? - in detail
To eliminate lice and their eggs from a hair‑comb, follow a systematic cleaning protocol.
- Disassemble if possible – Separate detachable parts (e.g., removable teeth) to expose all surfaces.
- Pre‑rinse – Hold the comb under running water to flush loose debris.
- Soak – Submerge the entire tool in a container filled with hot water (minimum 130 °F/55 °C). Add one tablespoon of liquid dish soap or a few drops of non‑oil‑based shampoo. Let it sit for 10 minutes; heat denatures lice and softens adhesive secretions.
- Mechanical agitation – After soaking, use a small brush (toothbrush or nail brush) to scrub each tooth, focusing on the base where eggs tend to lodge. Move the brush back and forth to dislodge any remaining organisms.
- Rinse thoroughly – Run the comb under hot water until all soap residue disappears. Verify that no debris remains by inspecting each tooth.
- Disinfect – Prepare a 70 % isopropyl alcohol solution. Immerse the comb for 5 minutes or spray the solution onto all surfaces and allow it to air‑dry. Alcohol kills any surviving lice and eggs.
- Dry – Place the comb on a clean towel in a well‑ventilated area. Ensure complete dryness before reuse to prevent moisture‑related damage.
Alternative method – For plastic combs that tolerate high temperatures, place them in a dishwasher’s top rack and run a regular cycle with a heated dry phase. The combination of water pressure, detergent, and heat achieves comparable results.
Preventive tip – After each use, store the comb in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours. Lice cannot survive beyond this period without a host, reducing the risk of reinfestation.