How should combs be treated for lice? - briefly
Clean the comb immediately after use by soaking it in hot (≥130 °F/54 °C) soapy water for at least 10 minutes, then rinse and air‑dry or run it through a dishwasher. As an alternative, freeze the comb for 24 hours to ensure any remaining eggs are destroyed.
How should combs be treated for lice? - in detail
To prevent reinfestation, a lice comb must be decontaminated after each use. Begin by removing visible debris; a quick rinse under hot running water eliminates hair and crusted nits. Follow with a disinfecting soak: submerge the comb in a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) for at least 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove residual chemicals, then dry completely on a clean towel or in a low‑temperature dryer.
For additional safety, consider sterilization by boiling. Place the comb in a pot of water, bring to a rolling boil, and maintain for 5 minutes. Remove with tongs, allow to cool, and store in a sealed container until the next treatment session.
If the comb is made of plastic, avoid abrasive cleaning agents that could damage the teeth. Use a soft brush or toothbrush to scrub the grooves before the disinfectant step. Metal combs tolerate stronger agents but still require a final rinse to prevent corrosion.
Maintain a log of each cleaning cycle, noting the method and date, to ensure consistent practice and to track any potential failures. Regularly inspect the teeth for wear; a damaged comb may miss nits and compromise the eradication process. Replace the tool when teeth become blunt or bent.
Summary of recommended steps:
- Rinse under hot water to remove visible material.
- Soak in 70 % alcohol or 1:10 bleach solution for ≥10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
- Optional: boil for 5 minutes for additional sterility.
- Store in a sealed, dry container.
Adhering to this protocol eliminates viable lice eggs and adult insects, reducing the risk of recurrence after treatment.