What should combs be soaked in after dealing with lice? - briefly
After lice treatment, immerse the comb in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) with soap for at least 10 minutes, then rinse and place it in a 70 % isopropyl‑alcohol solution or a diluted bleach mixture (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) for disinfection. This ensures all eggs and nits are destroyed.
What should combs be soaked in after dealing with lice? - in detail
After a lice treatment, the comb must be disinfected to prevent re‑infestation and to eliminate any remaining eggs. Immerse the device in a solution that kills both adult lice and nits, then rinse thoroughly and dry completely.
A practical soaking regimen includes:
- Boiling water – submerge the comb for 5 minutes. The temperature destroys all life stages.
- Dishwashing detergent – fill a container with hot, soapy water (≈50 °C) and let the comb sit for 10 minutes. Detergent penetrates the mesh and loosens debris.
- Isopropyl alcohol (70 % or higher) – place the comb in alcohol for at least 10 minutes. Alcohol denatures proteins and evaporates quickly, leaving no residue.
- White vinegar (5 % acetic acid) – soak for 15 minutes. The acidic environment deactivates lice eggs; follow with a soap rinse to remove odor.
- Diluted bleach (1 % sodium hypochlorite) – immerse for 5 minutes, then rinse repeatedly with water to avoid skin irritation.
When selecting a method, consider material compatibility. Metal combs tolerate heat and bleach; plastic variants may warp in boiling water, making alcohol or vinegar preferable. After soaking, scrub the teeth with a nail brush to dislodge trapped debris, rinse under running water, and air‑dry on a clean towel. Store the cleaned comb in a sealed container until the next use.