How to treat a comb for lice? - briefly
Disinfect the lice comb by soaking it in water at least 130 °F for ten minutes, then rinse and air‑dry completely. A 70 % isopropyl alcohol soak for five minutes provides an additional reliable method.
How to treat a comb for lice? - in detail
Proper sanitation of a lice comb is essential for preventing reinfestation. The device must be disinfected after each use and stored in a clean environment.
The most reliable method involves thermal and chemical treatment:
- Rinse the comb under running water to remove visible debris.
- Submerge the comb in boiling water (100 °C) for at least 5 minutes. Metal combs tolerate heat better than plastic; for plastic, use water at the highest safe temperature (approximately 80 °C) and extend the soaking time to 10 minutes.
- Transfer the comb to a solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol. Immerse for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- For additional disinfection, prepare a dilute bleach solution (1 part household bleach to 9 parts water). Soak the comb for 5 minutes, then rinse until the bleach odor disappears.
- Allow the comb to air‑dry on a clean towel or paper towel. Avoid using cloths that may retain moisture.
Alternative approaches include:
- Placing the comb in a dishwasher’s sanitize cycle (top rack, no detergent).
- Using a UV‑light sanitizer designed for small personal items, following the manufacturer’s exposure time.
Maintenance recommendations:
- Inspect the comb after each cleaning session; replace if teeth become bent or corroded.
- Store the dry comb in a sealed plastic bag or a dedicated, lint‑free container.
- Perform a full cleaning routine at least once a week during an active infestation, and after the infestation has cleared.
These procedures eliminate viable lice and nits, ensuring the comb does not serve as a reservoir for future outbreaks.