How long should you scrub/wash your hands with soap?

Washing hands with soap for at least twenty seconds is important for effectively removing germs and preventing the spread of infections. This duration allows sufficient time for the soap to break down oils, dirt, and microorganisms present on the skin. It ensures that all areas of the hands, including between the fingers, under the nails, and the backs of the hands, are thoroughly cleaned.

Public health guidelines, including those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend this twenty-second timeframe as a standard for effective hand hygiene. Scrubbing for this length of time has been shown to significantly reduce the number of pathogens on the hands compared to shorter washing times. This is particularly crucial in healthcare settings, where maintaining a sterile environment is necessary to protect vulnerable patients from infections.