How to treat combs after lice and nits? - briefly
After removing lice and eggs, soak the comb in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) for 10 minutes, then wash with detergent and rinse thoroughly. Alternatively, seal the comb in a plastic bag and freeze it for 24 hours to eliminate any remaining parasites.
How to treat combs after lice and nits? - in detail
After a lice outbreak, the comb used to remove insects and eggs must be decontaminated thoroughly to prevent reinfestation.
First, remove visible debris. Rinse the comb under hot running water, scrubbing each tooth with a stiff brush or an old toothbrush.
Next, apply a disinfectant. Soak the comb for at least 10 minutes in one of the following solutions:
- A mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water (5 % sodium hypochlorite).
- A commercial lice‑kill spray containing permethrin, pyrethrin, or dimethicone.
- A solution of 70 % isopropyl alcohol.
After soaking, rinse the comb again with hot water to eliminate chemical residues.
If the comb is made of plastic, heat can provide additional assurance. Place the cleaned comb in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes, or run it through a dishwasher on a high‑temperature cycle. Metal combs may be sterilized in a pressure cooker for 10 minutes.
Dry the comb completely. Air‑dry on a clean towel or use a low‑heat dryer. Store the device in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container until the next use.
To maintain hygiene between treatments, repeat the cleaning process after each combing session. Avoid sharing combs; assign a dedicated comb to each individual in the household.
Regularly inspect the comb for cracks or wear that could harbor eggs; replace it if damage is evident.
Following these steps eliminates residual lice and nits, minimizes the risk of recurrence, and ensures the tool remains safe for future use.