For how long should you scrub your hands with soap while washing them?

The recommended duration for scrubbing your hands with soap is 10-20 seconds. This time frame is based on guidelines provided by health organizations, which emphasize the importance of thoroughly cleaning all surfaces of the hands to effectively remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses. Scrubbing for at least 10 seconds ensures that the soap has enough time to break down any contaminants present on the skin. Furthermore, this time is sufficient to cover all areas, including the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails, which are often missed in shorter washes.

While longer durations might provide additional cleaning, scrubbing for 10-20 seconds is widely regarded as both practical and effective for hand hygiene in a variety of settings, including food service. Shorter durations would likely not be adequate for ensuring cleanliness, whereas excessively long durations may not significantly increase the effectiveness of the wash relative to the time spent. Therefore, the 10-20 seconds is a balanced approach that promotes proper handwashing techniques without unnecessary delays.