How to treat combs when dealing with lice? - briefly
After each use, immerse the comb in water heated to at least 130 °F (54 °C) for 10 minutes, or run it through a dishwasher, then dry it completely. As an alternative, soak it in 70% isopropyl alcohol or a 1‑part bleach to 10‑part water solution, rinse well, and allow it to air‑dry.
How to treat combs when dealing with lice? - in detail
When lice are present, the comb used for removal must be decontaminated after each session to prevent re‑infestation and to eliminate viable eggs. Follow these steps systematically:
- Rinse the comb under hot running water (minimum 130 °F / 54 °C) to wash away debris and loose nits.
- Submerge the device in a solution of 10 % household bleach (one part bleach to nine parts water) for five minutes. This concentration kills both lice and their eggs without damaging metal or plastic.
- After soaking, scrub the teeth with a small brush (e.g., an old toothbrush) to dislodge any remaining particles.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all chemical residues.
- Dry the comb completely using a clean towel or by placing it in a dishwasher’s heated drying cycle (top rack only) for 10 minutes.
- Store the cleaned comb in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container until the next use.
If bleach is unsuitable (e.g., for delicate wooden combs), replace it with one of the following alternatives:
- Boiling water: immerse the comb for three minutes, then allow it to air‑dry.
- Isopropyl alcohol (70 %): soak for one minute, rinse, and dry.
- Commercial lice‑comb disinfectant sprays: follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Regularly inspect the comb for signs of wear, such as bent or broken teeth, which can reduce effectiveness and harbor insects. Replace damaged combs promptly.
Document each cleaning cycle in a log (date, method, duration) to ensure consistent practice throughout the treatment period, typically two weeks after the initial infestation and again after a week to confirm eradication.