What is the recommended duration for effective hand washing?

The recommended duration for effective hand washing is 20 seconds. This time frame has been supported by health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which emphasize that hand washing with soap and water is most effective when done for at least 20 seconds. This duration ensures that the soap has enough time to lift dirt, grease, and microbes off the skin, while also allowing for thorough scrubbing of all parts of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails.

Practicing hand washing for this recommended duration significantly reduces the spread of infectious diseases. The effectiveness of hand hygiene is particularly critical in the context of preventing illnesses, especially those that are transmitted from person to person, such as colds and flu, as well as during public health efforts to combat outbreaks.