Cleaning hairbrushes is necessary to prevent a lice re-infestation after successful treatment. Head lice are parasites that can temporarily live on objects like brushes for up to 48 hours away from their host. Live insects and their eggs, known as nits, can easily transfer back to the hair during grooming, restarting the cycle. Proper sanitation of all brushes, combs, and hair accessories used during the infestation is paramount for eradication. This process must focus on destroying both adult lice and the highly resistant nits.
Essential Pre-Cleaning Steps
Before any heat or chemical treatment, all physical debris must be removed from the hairbrush. Loose hairs, lint, and scalp detritus can shield lice and nits from the sanitizing solution, allowing them to survive the process.
Begin by using a fine-toothed comb, tweezers, or small scissors to pull out or cut away tangled hair and gunk caught between the bristles. Work meticulously through every section of the brush head, clearing all visible foreign material.
Once removed, immediately seal the collected debris in a plastic bag or wrap it tightly in a disposable paper towel. This prevents any live insects or nits from escaping and migrating to another surface. Only after the brush is visibly clean should the disinfection process begin.
Methods for Killing Live Lice
Live adult and nymph lice are easier targets as they are susceptible to both extreme heat and chemical exposure. A reliable method involves hot water immersion, which kills lice quickly by denaturing their proteins. The water temperature must reach at least 130°F (54°C) to be effective. Submerge the entire brush head into the hot water for a minimum of 10 minutes to ensure the live insects are destroyed.
For brushes made of materials compromised by hot water, such as those with wood handles or delicate plastic components, a chemical soak is an alternative. A solution of at least 70% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) can be used to submerge the brush for 10 to 15 minutes. This chemical action disrupts the lice’s physiology.
Alternatively, soak the brush in a commercial lice treatment solution, following the product’s instructions for non-human applications. When using any chemical method, ensure the brush is fully submerged and exercise caution by wearing gloves and working in a well-ventilated area. Always consider the material of the brush before choosing a method, as hot water can warp some plastics, and alcohol may damage certain finishes or adhesives.
Eliminating Nits Through Immersion
Nits, the tiny eggs glued to the hair shaft, are encased in a protective shell, making them more difficult to destroy than adult lice. Their resilience requires a sustained period of exposure to the chosen sanitation method to prevent hatching. When using the hot water method, maintaining 130°F (54°C) for 10 to 15 minutes is necessary to penetrate the nit’s shell and render it non-viable.
For items that cannot tolerate high heat or chemical solutions, such as brushes with natural boar bristles or intricate wooden handles, freezing is a viable, material-safe option. Place the cleaned brush into an airtight plastic bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal it. The bag must be placed in the freezer for a minimum of 48 hours to ensure the low temperature kills any remaining nits.
After the heat, chemical, or freezing treatment is complete, the hairbrush must be thoroughly rinsed under clean running water. Use a mild soap and an old toothbrush to gently scrub the bristles and surface area to remove any dead insects, nits, or chemical residue. Allow the brush to air dry completely in a clean, well-ventilated space before it is safe to reuse or store.