What to wash combs with to remove lice? - briefly
Wash the comb in water heated to at least 130 °F (54 °C) with regular shampoo, or soak it for 10 minutes in a «1 % vinegar solution». Both methods effectively kill lice and remove their eggs.
What to wash combs with to remove lice? - in detail
Cleaning a lice‑comb after treatment is essential to prevent reinfestation. The comb must be free of live nits, dead insects, and residual debris. Effective decontamination relies on agents that destroy lice eggs and eliminate bacterial growth.
Effective cleaning agents
- Hot water at a temperature of at least 130 °F (54 °C) for a minimum of five minutes.
- Regular shampoo or liquid dish‑soap combined with vigorous rubbing.
- White distilled vinegar diluted 1 : 1 with water; the acidic environment denatures protein structures in eggs.
- Isopropyl alcohol at «70 %» concentration; rapid protein coagulation kills any remaining organisms.
- Hydrogen peroxide at a «3 %» solution; oxidizes organic material and disrupts egg membranes.
- Diluted household bleach, mixed «1 part bleach to 10 parts water»; strong oxidizer that destroys both lice and bacterial spores.
- Commercial lice‑removal sprays containing pyrethrins or dimethicone; formulated for rapid insecticidal action.
- Boiling water, achieved by immersing the comb for three minutes; thermal shock eliminates all life stages.
Procedural steps
- Disassemble the comb if possible; separate the teeth from the handle.
- Submerge all parts in the chosen cleaning solution for the recommended duration (typically five minutes for hot water or alcohol, three minutes for boiling).
- Agitate vigorously with a brush to remove adhered debris.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean running water to eliminate chemical residues.
- Place the comb on a clean towel and allow it to air‑dry completely; moisture promotes bacterial growth.
Additional precautions
- Replace the comb after several uses if signs of wear appear, as damaged teeth may harbor insects.
- Store the cleaned comb in a sealed plastic bag until completely dry.
- Avoid mixing cleaning agents; for example, never combine bleach with vinegar, which produces toxic chlorine gas.
By following these guidelines, the comb will be thoroughly sanitized, reducing the risk of lice recurrence and maintaining hygienic conditions for future use.