How to treat a comb after lice at home? - briefly
Immediately wash the comb in hot, soapy water, then soak it in a 10 % bleach solution for ten minutes, rinse thoroughly, and dry on high heat. Alternatively, seal the comb in a plastic bag and freeze it for 24 hours to eliminate any remaining parasites.
How to treat a comb after lice at home? - in detail
After a lice infestation, the comb must be sterilised to prevent re‑infestation. Begin by removing visible lice and nits with a fine‑toothed nit comb; discard any detached insects.
- Hot‑water soak – Submerge the comb in water at least 60 °C (140 °F) for 10 minutes. This temperature kills lice and their eggs.
- Detergent wash – Transfer the comb to a bowl of hot, soapy water. Agitate for one minute, then rinse under running water.
- Disinfectant treatment – Immerse the comb in a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) for 5 minutes. Ensure complete coverage.
- Boiling – Place the comb in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes. Use tongs to avoid burns.
- Rinse and dry – Rinse thoroughly to remove chemical residues. Dry on a clean towel or place in a hot dryer for 15 minutes.
Alternative methods include:
- Soaking in white vinegar for 30 minutes, followed by a hot‑water rinse.
- Running the comb through a dishwasher’s sanitize cycle, provided the material can withstand high heat.
After cleaning, store the comb in a sealed, dry container until the next use. Regular inspection of the comb after each treatment helps confirm that no lice or nits remain.