How do you treat a comb after lice? - briefly
Soak the comb in hot (≥130 °F/54 °C) water for at least 10 minutes, then scrub with antibacterial soap or a mixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to air‑dry completely. Alternatively, place the device in a sealed bag with a disinfectant wipe or 70 % isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes before drying.
How do you treat a comb after lice? - in detail
After an infestation, the comb must be sterilized to prevent re‑infestation and eliminate any remaining nits. Begin by removing visible debris: rinse the tool under hot running water while brushing the teeth with a nail brush or an old toothbrush. Discard any hair caught in the comb’s teeth.
Next, soak the comb for at least 10 minutes in one of the following solutions:
- Boiling water (100 °C) – ensures rapid killing of any surviving lice or eggs.
- A mixture of 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water – effective for plastic or metal combs.
- Isopropyl alcohol (70 % or higher) – suitable for metal or heat‑resistant plastic.
If bleach is used, wear gloves and work in a well‑ventilated area. After soaking, scrub the teeth again with a brush to dislodge residual material.
Rinse the comb thoroughly with clean water to remove chemical residues. For plastic combs, place them in a dishwasher’s top rack and run a normal cycle. Metal combs may be placed in a pot of boiling water for an additional 5 minutes.
Finally, allow the comb to air‑dry on a clean surface. Store it in a sealed container or zip‑lock bag until the next use to maintain sterility. Repeating this cleaning process after each treatment session minimizes the risk of recurring infestations.