How to wash combs after lice? - briefly
Soak the comb in hot (≥130 °F/54 °C) soapy water for 10 minutes, scrub the teeth, rinse thoroughly, and let it air‑dry. For plastic combs add a tablespoon of bleach to the soak; metal combs can be cleaned with a disinfectant solution.
How to wash combs after lice? - in detail
Cleaning combs after a lice outbreak requires thorough removal of eggs and nits, followed by disinfection to prevent reinfestation. The process varies slightly depending on the comb material, but the essential steps remain the same.
Begin by removing visible debris. Rinse the comb under hot running water, using a brush or an old toothbrush to scrape off crusted material. For plastic combs, a stiff brush works well; metal combs can be cleaned with a softer brush to avoid scratching.
Next, soak the comb in a solution capable of killing any remaining lice or eggs. Prepare one of the following mixtures and submerge the comb for at least 10 minutes:
- 1 part household bleach to 9 parts water (approximately 5 % sodium hypochlorite).
- 1 cup of white vinegar diluted in 2 cups of water.
- 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol (70 % concentration) mixed with 1 cup of water.
After soaking, remove the comb and scrub all teeth vigorously with a toothbrush or a nail‑brush. Pay special attention to the hinge area and any crevices where nits may lodge.
Rinse the comb thoroughly under hot running water to eliminate residual chemicals. For added safety, run the comb through a dishwasher (top rack, high‑temperature cycle) if the material is dishwasher‑safe. Alternatively, place the comb in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes.
Dry the comb completely. Lay it on a clean towel or use a hair dryer on a cool setting. Ensure no moisture remains, as damp conditions can foster bacterial growth.
Finally, store the cleaned comb in a sealed plastic bag or a clean, dry container until the next use. Replace the comb after several treatment cycles if it shows signs of wear or persistent residue.
Following these steps eliminates lice and their eggs from the comb, reducing the risk of re‑infestation and supporting effective lice management.