Head lice are parasitic insects that survive by sucking your blood. You will notice if you're infested with head lice because you may feel as if your skin is crawling. When you're infected with head lice, it is important to routinely clean items such as bedding, toys, towels, and hair brushes to prevent reinfection. Remember to not share personal items such as brushes with other family members to minimize the spread of the insects.
Removing Lice from Hair Brushes and Combs
Fill a cooking pot with water and heat it on the stove until the water temperature reaches at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the water must be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit to effectively kill lice and nits.
Remove your cooking pot from your stove once the water begins to bubble. Submerge your recently used combs and brushes in the hot water.
Soak your brushes and combs for up to 10 minutes (and no less than 5 minutes) in order to adequately exterminate the nits and lice.
If you have brushes or combs that may be damaged by extremely hot water, you can use a phenol solution such as Lysol to clean your personal items.
Soak your brushes and combs in Lysol for at least one hour. Thoroughly rinse your brushes and combs in hot water once they have finished soaking.
Tip
Vacuum your floors every day.
Wash bedding regularly on the hottest possible setting on your washer to prevent reinfection.
Dry your bedding and clothes on the hottest possible setting.
If any items you have can't be washed, have the items laundered.
You can store items in a sealable bag in your garage for two days to kill lice.
Warning
Don't share personal items such as towels, clothing, brushes, and combs with others.
Don't allow your children to play sports in which their heads to come into contact with others.
Don't lie on beds or pillows of infected individuals.
