How long should you scrub your hands when washing?

The recommended duration for scrubbing your hands when washing is 10 to 15 seconds. This amount of time is generally considered effective to ensure that soap can adequately break down dirt and germs on the skin.

During this scrubbing period, it is essential to cover all parts of the hands, including between the fingers, under the nails, and around the wrists. Thorough handwashing for 10 to 15 seconds significantly reduces the presence of pathogens and is endorsed by health authorities. This practice is crucial in preventing the spread of illness, especially in food handling where hygiene is paramount.

Longer durations, such as 20 seconds or 1 minute, may not necessarily lead to a substantial increase in the effectiveness of handwashing compared to the recommended 10 to 15 seconds, while a duration as short as 5 seconds is likely insufficient to remove harmful microorganisms adequately from the hands. Adhering to the 10 to 15 seconds guideline strikes a balance between effectiveness and efficiency in hand hygiene.