How to Clean and Sanitize Hair Brushes After a Lice Infestation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), head lice cannot survive for more than 1–2 days when separated from a human host. They require frequent blood meals — every 3–4 hours — and the warmth of a scalp to survive. Without these, they die quickly.

A brush used by someone with an active infestation can carry live lice or viable nits immediately after use. The risk drops significantly within 24 hours and is negligible after 48 hours. This narrow window is why cleaning brushes promptly after discovering an infestation matters — but also why panic is not warranted.

Nits (lice eggs) on a brush are non-viable without the scalp environment to incubate them. They will not hatch on a brush. The immediate concern is live lice that could transfer to another family member's head within the 48-hour survival window.

Before applying any sanitization method, all hair must be removed from the brush or comb. Lice and nits hide in the hair caught between bristles, and leaving hair in place prevents heat or disinfectant from reaching them.

• Use a fine-tooth comb or a toothpick to work hair out from between the bristles.
• Pull hair out in sections, working from the base of the bristles upward.
• Place removed hair directly into a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it — do not leave it loose in a trash can.
• Wear disposable gloves during this step if you prefer.

Removing all hair takes 2–5 minutes per brush. It is worth doing thoroughly — a brush full of trapped hair will not sanitize effectively regardless of the method used.

The CDC recommends soaking hair tools in water heated to at least 130°F (54°C) for 10 minutes as an effective way to kill lice and nits. This is the most reliable sanitization method and requires no additional products beyond hot water.

• Bring water to a boil, then allow it to cool slightly so it remains above 130°F — a kitchen thermometer helps confirm the temperature.
• Submerge the cleaned brush or comb fully in the hot water.
• Soak for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to air dry on a clean towel.

This method works for metal combs, plastic combs, and most synthetic bristle brushes. Avoid boiling water for brushes with wooden handles or natural bristles, as prolonged high heat can cause warping or bristle damage. Use the dish soap method below for delicate brushes.

For brushes that cannot tolerate sustained hot water immersion, a combination of hot water and dish soap provides effective cleaning. The soap breaks down the louse's waxy exoskeleton and removes debris while the hot water provides thermal disinfection.

• Fill a bowl with the hottest tap water available and add a generous squirt of dish soap.
• Swirl the cleaned brush vigorously in the soapy water for 2–3 minutes.
• Rinse under running hot water and repeat if needed.
• Air dry completely before use — at least 1–2 hours.

This method is suitable for paddle brushes, cushion brushes, and brushes with wooden handles. It will not reach the 130°F threshold needed for guaranteed kill, so for high-certainty sanitization, combine with a 10-minute soak in the hottest water the brush can safely tolerate.

Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) at 70% concentration or higher is an effective disinfectant that kills lice through desiccation and membrane disruption. It is especially convenient for combs and brushes that cannot be submerged in water.

• After removing all hair, place the brush bristle-side down in a shallow container and pour enough rubbing alcohol to fully submerge the bristles.
• Soak for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to air dry completely — alcohol evaporates quickly.
• Alternatively, spray bristles thoroughly and allow to air dry without rinsing.

Do not use alcohol on brushes with natural bristles, as it can dry them out and cause brittleness. Ensure the brush is fully dry before using it — alcohol can irritate the scalp if residue remains on bristles.

A few common mistakes can make brush sanitization less effective or create new risks:

• Do not skip the hair-removal step. No sanitization method penetrates a thick mat of trapped hair reliably. Remove hair first, every time.
• Do not share brushes during active treatment. If one family member is being treated for lice, all brushes should be cleaned and not shared until the infestation is fully cleared — typically after two rounds of treatment 7–10 days apart.
• Do not spray brushes with lice-killing insecticide sprays. Environmental sprays are not recommended by the CDC for household items and can leave chemical residue that irritates the scalp.
• Do not put wet brushes in a plastic bag and seal them. This does not sanitize — it creates a humid environment where nits could technically survive longer.

In most cases, cleaning and sanitizing an existing brush is the practical choice. However, replacement makes sense in a few situations:

• The brush is old, heavily worn, or has densely packed bristles that cannot be cleaned thoroughly.
• The brush belongs to the infested person and is difficult to fully de-hair.
• You have repeated reinfestation and want to eliminate all possible sources of recontamination.

Inexpensive plastic combs and brushes cost very little to replace. If time or effort is a concern, replacement is a perfectly reasonable option. Place the old brush in a sealed plastic bag before disposing of it.

For more context on which items require cleaning and which can be safely ignored, see our complete guide to cleaning after lice treatment.

The same principles apply to all hair accessories that contact the scalp or hair. Handle each category based on material and heat tolerance.

Hair Clips and Barrettes

Soak in hot water (130°F) for 10 minutes, or submerge in rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes. Rinse and air dry. Metal clips can also be run through a dishwasher on a hot cycle.

Headbands

Fabric headbands can be machine washed on a hot cycle (at least 130°F water) and dried on high heat for 20–30 minutes. Hard plastic headbands can be soaked in hot water or rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes.

Hair Elastics and Scrunchies

Fabric scrunchies should be machine washed in hot water and dried on high heat. Synthetic rubber elastics can be soaked in hot water or rubbing alcohol. When in doubt, elastics are inexpensive — replace them. For guidance on laundry temperatures for other items, see our article on whether lice survive washing machines and dryers.