How should a comb be treated after lice? - briefly
After a lice treatment, the comb should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Soak it in hot water (≥130 °F) or a diluted bleach solution for at least 10 minutes, then wash with soap, rinse, and dry completely before reuse.
How should a comb be treated after lice? - in detail
After a lice treatment session, the comb must be cleared of any remaining insects and eggs before it can be reused. Rinse the device under hot running water for at least 30 seconds, using a brush or the opposite side of the comb to dislodge particles trapped in the teeth.
Next, soak the comb in a disinfectant solution. Effective options include:
- A mixture of one part household bleach and nine parts water, left for 10 minutes.
- A commercial lice‑kill spray applied according to the label, with a minimum contact time of 5 minutes.
- Boiling water for 5 minutes, ensuring the comb material can withstand high temperature.
After soaking, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any chemical residue. Dry the comb completely on a clean towel or paper towel; moisture encourages bacterial growth.
Store the cleaned comb in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container until the next use. This prevents reinfestation from environmental sources and keeps the tool sanitary.
Finally, avoid sharing the comb with other individuals. If multiple people require treatment, provide each with a personal comb that follows the same cleaning protocol after every use.