How do you treat combs that have lice? - briefly
Soak the infested comb in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, then wash with detergent and a diluted bleach solution before rinsing and air‑drying completely. As an alternative, seal the comb in a plastic bag and freeze it for 24 hours to eradicate any remaining parasites.
How do you treat combs that have lice? - in detail
Lice‑infested combs require immediate and thorough decontamination to prevent re‑infestation. Begin by separating the combs from other personal items and placing them in a sealed plastic bag. Submerge the tools in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for at least 10 minutes; the temperature kills both adult lice and nymphs. After soaking, scrub the teeth with a stiff brush to dislodge any remaining eggs (nits). Rinse under running water, then immerse the combs in a solution of 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) for 5 minutes. Rinse again thoroughly to remove residual chemicals.
If heat treatment is unavailable, soak the combs in 70 % isopropyl alcohol for 10 minutes, followed by a rinse and air‑drying in direct sunlight for several hours. For plastic or metal combs that cannot withstand high heat, repeat the alcohol soak or use a commercial lice‑killing spray containing 1 % permethrin, ensuring full coverage of all surfaces. After treatment, store the combs in a clean, sealed container until the surrounding environment has been treated.
Dispose of any disposable combs that show extensive nits or damage. Clean the surrounding area with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter, then wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water (≥130 °F) and tumble‑dry on high heat. Regularly inspect combs after treatment to confirm the absence of live lice or viable eggs.