Importance of cleaning
During use, a dense-tooth lice comb can carry impurities such as hair, lice, eggs, and dandruff. If not cleaned and disinfected in time, it will not only affect the effectiveness of the comb, but may also lead to cross-infection again. Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the lice comb after each use is an important measure to ensure personal and family hygiene, and is also a key link in preventing the spread of head lice.
Preparation before cleaning
Before cleaning a dense-tooth lice comb, you should first wear disposable gloves to avoid direct contact with residual lice or eggs. Prepare cleaning tools, including clean water, soap or mild detergent, a soft-bristled brush (such as a used toothbrush), a small bowl or basin, and a clean towel or paper towel. At the same time, to prevent lice or eggs from contaminating the environment, the operation should be carried out in a sink or a special cleaning container to avoid splashing.
Preliminary removal of attachments
After use, first wipe off the larger hair, dandruff, and visible lice bodies on the surface and between the teeth of the lice comb with a paper towel or wet cloth, put them in a sealed bag or waste container, and then throw them into the trash can in time. This step helps to reduce the possibility of dirt clogging the sink or scattering around during subsequent cleaning. If the teeth are dense or the hair is severely tangled, you can use a needle or a small comb with fine teeth to assist in cleaning.
Rinse and brush with clean water
Rinse the dense-toothed lice comb with warm water to initially rinse off the remaining impurities on the teeth. After that, soak the lice comb in a solution of warm water and a small amount of soap or mild detergent for about 5 to 10 minutes. Use a soft-bristled brush to brush along the direction of the teeth, paying special attention to the roots and teeth, which are most likely to have lice eggs or dirt. Rinse repeatedly during the brushing process to ensure that impurities are completely removed.
Disinfection
After cleaning, the lice comb needs to be disinfected. Common disinfection methods include the following:
Boiling water soaking: Put the comb in boiling water and soak it for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method is suitable for lice combs made of metal or high-temperature resistant materials.
Alcohol wiping: Use medical alcohol (concentration 70% or above) to dip cotton balls or gauze, and carefully wipe all parts of the lice comb, especially the root of the teeth and the gap area.
Disinfectant soaking: You can choose a diluted household disinfectant (such as chlorine-containing disinfectant), dilute it according to the instructions, and soak the lice comb for 5 to 10 minutes. After soaking, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove the residual disinfectant.
Drying and storage
After disinfection, place the lice comb on a clean towel or paper towel and dry it naturally or wipe it with a paper towel. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight to prevent aging or deformation of the plastic material. The dried lice comb can be stored in a dry, ventilated container. It is best to store it separately and avoid mixing it with other daily combs to reduce the risk of contamination and cross infection. If it is not used for a long time, it can be stored in a sealed container.
Cleaning frequency and precautions
The dense-toothed lice comb should be cleaned and disinfected immediately after each use, especially when dealing with a large number of lice or suspected infection, and strict cleaning is required. Avoid using highly corrosive detergents or detergents containing irritating chemicals when cleaning to avoid damaging the material of the lice comb. For metal lice combs, apply a small amount of lubricating oil after drying to prevent rust. Regularly check whether the lice comb has damaged or bent teeth. If damaged, replace it in time.
Environmental hygiene cooperation measures
Although cleaning and disinfecting lice combs are important, the fundamental way to prevent and control lice is to cooperate with the overall management of personal and environmental hygiene. During lice removal, bed sheets, pillowcases, hats, scarves and other items that come into direct contact with hair should be washed at the same time, and disinfected at high temperature or exposed to the sun to prevent repeated infection. Family members should avoid sharing combs and towels to prevent cross-transmission.