How to treat combs for lice? - briefly
Soak the comb in water hotter than 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes, then rinse and disinfect it with 70 % isopropyl alcohol or a 1 % bleach solution before air‑drying. This eliminates any remaining nits and prevents re‑infestation.
How to treat combs for lice? - in detail
When a lice comb is used, the device must be rendered free of live insects and their eggs before it contacts another person. The following procedure eliminates nits and prevents re‑infestation.
- Immediate rinse – Hold the comb under running water, shaking it to dislodge debris. Use warm water (≥ 50 °C) to increase effectiveness.
- Soak – Submerge the comb in a disinfectant solution for at least 10 minutes. Acceptable agents include:
- 70 % isopropyl alcohol
- 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite (diluted household bleach)
- 5 % white vinegar
- Commercial lice‑comb sanitizers (follow label directions)
- Mechanical cleaning – After soaking, scrub the teeth with a brush or old toothbrush to remove residual nits. Pay special attention to the base and any crevices.
- Rinse and dry – Rinse thoroughly with hot water to remove chemical residues. Place the comb on a clean towel and allow it to air‑dry completely; moisture encourages egg survival.
- Optional heat treatment – For metal or heat‑resistant plastic combs, place them in a dishwasher’s sanitize cycle or boil for 5 minutes. This step adds redundancy without harming the tool.
- Storage – Store the cleaned comb in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container until the next use. Label the container with the date of the last sanitation.
Special considerations
- Material matters – Plastic combs may warp under extreme heat; limit boiling to 5 minutes. Metal combs tolerate higher temperatures and can be sterilized in an autoclave if available.
- Frequency – Perform the full cleaning sequence after each treatment session, typically every 2–3 days during a lice outbreak.
- Cross‑contamination – Never place a used comb on shared surfaces. Use disposable paper towels for temporary placement.
- Inspection – After cleaning, examine the teeth under a light source. Any remaining opaque spots may indicate surviving nits; repeat the soak if necessary.
By adhering to these steps, a lice‑comb remains safe for repeated use, eliminating the risk of transferring parasites between individuals.