How to Sanitize Hair Brushes After Lice

Are you dealing with lice? If so, you’ll want to know how to properly sanitize your hair brushes. Lice can live for up to two days on a surface, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions. Most people know the importance of keeping their hair brushes clean, but what happens when an outbreak of lice occurs? 

Lice can be very difficult to get rid of, and they can easily spread from person to person. In this post, we’ll discuss how to sanitize hair brushes after lice. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent lice from spreading in the first place. Keep on reading!

Do I Need to Throw Away Brushes after Lice?

No, you don’t need to throw away brushes after lice. However, it is important to thoroughly sanitize them. Start by washing the bristles with mild shampoo and warm water. Make sure to rinse off any leftover shampoo so that it doesn’t attract more lice. Next, soak the brush in 1 part vinegar and 1 part warm water for five minutes. This will help kill any lingering lice and eggs. After soaking, rinse the brush and towel dry.

10 Methods on How to Sanitize Hair Brushes After Lice

1. Boil Them

One of the most effective ways to kill lice and their eggs is to boil your hair brushes. Boiling water is hot enough to kill both lice and their eggs instantly. Simply bring a pot of water to a boil and then submerge your hair brushes in the water for at least five minutes. Although this method is effective, it may cause damage to the bristles of your brushes.

2. Soak Them in Vinegar

Another way to kill lice and their eggs is to soak your hair brushes in vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can kill both lice and their eggs. Simply fill a bowl with vinegar and then submerge your hair brushes in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Try to make sure the bristles are completely covered in the vinegar.

3. Soak Them in Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can also be used to kill lice and their eggs. Simply fill a bowl with rubbing alcohol and then submerge your hair brushes in the rubbing alcohol for at least a few minutes. However, it is important to make sure that the bristles of your brushes are completely covered in rubbing alcohol. Also, be sure to rinse the brushes off thoroughly with warm water afterward.

4. Use Lice Shampoo

There are many over-the-counter lice shampoos that can be used to kill lice and their eggs. Simply follow the instructions on the bottle and shampoo your hair brushes as directed. While this method is effective, it can also be messy and time-consuming. If your brushes are particularly dirty, you may need to shampoo them more than once.

5. Use Lice Comb

There are also many over-the-counter lice combs that can be used to remove lice and their eggs from hair brushes. Simply follow the instructions on the package and comb through your hair brush as directed. Try to make sure that the comb reaches deep into the bristles of your brushes to ensure all lice and eggs are removed.

6. Freeze Them

Another way to kill lice and their eggs is to freeze your hair brushes. Lice cannot survive in cold temperatures, so freezing them will effectively kill them and their eggs. Simply place your hair brushes in a plastic bag and then put them in the freezer for at least 24 hours. Make sure that the bristles are completely covered in the plastic bag to ensure that no lice or eggs survive.

7. Wash Them with Hot Water

Washing your hair brushes with hot water is another effective way to kill lice and their eggs. The hot water will effectively drown the lice and their eggs. Simply wet your hairbrush with hot water and then scrub it with a brush or comb to remove any dirt or debris. Repeat this process until all of the lice and their eggs are gone.

8. Use Essential Oils

Essential oils, such as tea tree oil or lavender oil, can also be used to kill lice and their eggs. Simply add a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of water and then submerge your hair brushes in the mixture for at least 30 minutes. While this method is effective, it can also be messy and time-consuming. If your brushes are particularly dirty, you may need to repeat the process a few times.

9. Soak Them in Salt Water

Saltwater is another effective way to kill lice and their eggs. Simply fill a bowl with salt water and then submerge your hair brushes in the solution for at least 30 minutes. The salt will effectively dehydrate the lice and their eggs, killing them instantly. However, be sure to rinse the brushes off thoroughly with clean water afterward.

10. Use Hot Steam

Hot steam can also be used to kill lice and their eggs. Simply hold your hairbrush over a bowl of hot, steaming water for at least 10 minutes. The steam will kill any lice and their eggs that are on the brush. Make sure to rinse the brush off with warm water afterward. Although this method is effective, it may not be suitable for all types of brushes. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before trying this method.

Following these steps can help to sanitize your hair brushes and keep lice away. It is important to remember to clean your brushes regularly, as lice can live for up to 48 hours on surfaces. Once you have sanitized your brushes, it is also a good idea to periodically vacuum the area around them in order to prevent future infestations.

Good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and avoiding personal sharing items are also key in preventing the spread of lice. If your family has been exposed to head lice, talk with your healthcare provider about treatment options.

Things to Consider When Sanitizing Hair Brushes after Lice

1. Regularly Shampoo:

Regularly shampooing your hair brushes can help to remove lice and their eggs. You should shampoo your brushes at least once a month.

2. Use Lice Comb:

Over-the-counter lice combs can be used to remove lice and their eggs from hair brushes. If you are unsure how to use a lice comb, ask your healthcare provider for instructions.

3. Freeze Them:

Freezing your hair brushes will effectively kill any lice and their eggs present. While freezing is an effective method, it may not be suitable for all types of brushes.

4. Wash with Hot Water:

Washing your hair brushes with hot water can help to drown the lice and their eggs. However, be sure to rinse the brushes off thoroughly with clean water afterward.

5. Use Essential Oils:

Adding a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of water and then submerging your hair brushes in the mixture for at least 30 minutes can help to kill lice and their eggs.

6. Soak in Salt Water:

Saltwater is another effective way to kill lice and their eggs, as it will dehydrate them instantly. Other methods, such as hot steam, can also be used, but check the manufacturer’s instructions first.

7. Use Hot Steam:

Holding your hairbrush over a bowl of hot, steaming water for at least 10 minutes will also help to kill any lice and their eggs present. While this method is effective, it may not be suitable for all types of brushes.

8. Vacuum the Area around Brushes Regularly:

Vacuuming the area around them in order to prevent future infestations is important. Although sanitizing your brushes can help to keep lice away, good hygiene practices such as frequent handwashing and avoiding personal sharing items are also key in preventing the spread of lice.

9. Talk with Healthcare Providers:

It is important to seek medical advice if anyone has been exposed to head lice. And following the above steps can help to sanitize your hair brushes and keep lice away.

By following these tips, you can effectively sanitize your hair brushes and help to ensure that lice are not able to spread and become a problem. It is important to remember, however, that the best way to prevent lice from getting on your brushes in the first place is by practicing good hygiene habits.

Regularly shampooing your hair and avoiding personal sharing items can go a long way toward preventing lice infestations. If you do notice any signs of head lice, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider right away for further advice and treatment options.

Conclusion

​Lice are one of the most prolific and resilient parasites, but with a little bit of knowledge and effort, you can get rid of them for good. By properly sanitizing your hair brushes after lice, you can prevent future outbreaks and keep your family healthy. 

Although no one wants to think about lice, it’s important to be prepared in case you or your child gets them. Sanitizing hair brushes is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of lice. Just follow these easy steps on how to sanitize hair brushes after lice, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your family is protected from these pesky pests.

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