How long should one scrub their hands during proper hand hygiene?

The correct duration for scrubbing hands during proper hand hygiene is 20 seconds. This length of time is based on guidelines from health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Handwashing for a minimum of 20 seconds is critical to effectively remove pathogens, dirt, and debris from the hands.

During this period, the act of scrubbing creates friction, which dislodges germs and microorganisms from the skin surface. It also allows time for the soap to act on the pathogens. The recommendation emphasizes that this is the essential time frame to ensure that all surfaces of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails, are thoroughly cleaned.

Options suggesting shorter durations, like 10 or 15 seconds, do not meet the recommended guidelines for effective hand hygiene. A 30-second wash is also effective but typically is not necessary for most routine situations, making 20 seconds the optimal recommendation for balancing effectiveness and practicality.