How Do I Sterilize a Flea Comb?

Flea combs are used to physically remove fleas from pet fur. These combs often have metal tines that are spaced close together so the flea becomes easily trapped and visible enough to remove. However, the combs naturally come in close contact with the animal's skin during the combing, and also the blood that the fleas have ingested. Because of this, germs are present on the comb after use, requiring a thorough cleaning and sterilization process before using it on another animal, or before storing it for later use.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibacterial soap
  • Sponge
  • 70 percent rubbing alcohol
  • Bowl
  • Cloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Wet the flea comb under warm running water. Apply antibacterial soap to the entire comb and, with your fingers, remove any dead fleas that may still be on the comb.

    • 2

      Rinse the soap off of the comb under warm running water. Fill a bowl with enough 70 percent solution of rubbing alcohol that you can fully submerge the flea comb.

    • 3

      Place the flea comb in the bowl. Leave it to soak in the rubbing alcohol for 20 minutes.

    • 4

      Remove the flea comb and place it on a dry, clean cloth to air-dry. Once dry, place it in a medicine cabinet or drawer until you need to use it again.