How do you treat a comb for lice? - briefly
After use, immerse the comb in boiling water for at least five minutes or soak it in a 70 % isopropyl‑alcohol solution for ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly and let it air‑dry. If the comb is dishwasher‑safe, run it through a sanitize cycle as an alternative.
How do you treat a comb for lice? - in detail
To restore a lice‑comb after use, follow these precise actions:
- Remove debris. Rinse the teeth under running water, using a fine‑toothed brush or an old toothbrush to dislodge nits and hair fragments.
- Apply detergent. Fill a bowl with hot water (at least 50 °C / 122 °F) and add a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Submerge the comb for 10 minutes, agitating occasionally.
- Disinfect. Transfer the comb to a second container containing one part 70 % isopropyl alcohol and nine parts water. Soak for 5 minutes; alcohol destroys any remaining eggs and microorganisms.
- Optional bleach soak. For stubborn contamination, prepare a solution of 1 % sodium hypochlorite (approximately one tablespoon of household bleach per liter of water). Immerse the comb for 3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Rinse and dry. Flush the comb with clean, hot water until all soap or bleach residues disappear. Air‑dry on a clean towel or place in a dishwasher’s top rack (no detergent) for 10 minutes of high heat.
- Storage. Keep the dry comb in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container to prevent re‑infestation.
Perform the cleaning cycle after each use, especially when treating multiple individuals. Regular sterilization eliminates viable lice and nits, ensuring the tool remains effective for future applications.