How to treat a comb after lice? - briefly
Soak the comb in water hotter than 130 °F (≈54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, scrub with a nail brush, then wash with detergent and rinse thoroughly; alternatively, place it in a sealed bag and run a dishwasher cycle to ensure all lice and eggs are destroyed.
How to treat a comb after lice? - in detail
When a head‑lice outbreak has been addressed, the comb used for removal must be disinfected to prevent re‑infestation. Follow these steps:
- Remove visible debris. Rinse the comb under hot running water, using a brush or old toothbrush to scrape off nits and eggs stuck in the teeth.
- Soak in a chemical disinfectant. Place the comb in a container with one part bleach to nine parts water (≈5 % sodium hypochlorite) for ten minutes. Alternative solutions include 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a commercial lice‑kill spray; submerge for the time specified by the manufacturer.
- Rinse thoroughly. After soaking, rinse the comb under hot water until all traces of the disinfectant disappear. Verify that no discoloration or residue remains.
- Dry completely. Lay the comb on a clean towel or use a paper towel; allow it to air‑dry in direct sunlight or use a hair dryer on a cool setting. Moisture encourages survival of any remaining eggs.
- Store safely. Keep the cleaned comb in a sealed plastic bag or a dedicated container until the next use. Label the container if multiple grooming tools are stored together.
If the comb is made of plastic, it tolerates bleach and alcohol without damage. Metal combs may corrode if left in bleach for extended periods; limit soaking to five minutes and rinse immediately. For delicate wooden or bone combs, avoid harsh chemicals; instead, soak in warm soapy water for fifteen minutes, scrub, then rinse and dry.
Regular inspection after each treatment session ensures that no residual lice or eggs remain on the comb. Replace the comb if teeth become worn or if discoloration indicates material degradation. This protocol eliminates the risk of re‑contamination and supports a successful eradication effort.