How to Disinfect a Comb for Lice

Head louse

Head lice is spread through personal contact with people and objects that are infected with it. Children are often susceptible to head lice because items like coats, hats or combs are shared or piled in close quarters during school. For instance, let's say Mary's lice-infected hat comes in contact with Susie's hat. If the lice have enough time to trek over to Susie's hat, and she puts that hat on, she'll probably get the lice infection too. Now Susie goes home and lies down on her parent's bed. Within a day or two her parents have the telltale itchy head and neck. You must learn to disinfect a comb for lice because if you don't, you're likely to re-infect yourself and others in your household.

Things You'll Need

• Pan
• Water
• Stove
• Thermometer
• Phenol

Instructions

1. Place all combs in a pan filled with water. Heat the water to 150 degrees F (use the thermometer to check), and allow the combs to soak for 10 minutes.

2. Soak the combs in phenol. If you think the heated water will damage the comb, soak them in phenol for an hour instead. Many disinfectant cleaning products contain phenol; read the labels to find one.

3. Disinfect the comb after each use. Even after the first treatment, it's still possible to have lice eggs in your hair. WebMD recommends you give yourself another lice treatment in seven to 10 days. In the meantime, continue to disinfect your comb whenever you use it to prevent spreading the problem.

References

• Should objects be treated?
• How to use anti-lice agents