What is the recommended duration for hand hygiene with soap and water?

• A. 15 seconds
• B. At least 20 seconds
• C. 60 seconds
• D. 5 seconds

Answer: (B)

Effective hand hygiene relies on giving soap and your hands enough time to work together to lift and rinse away germs. The recommended duration is at least twenty seconds, which provides enough friction and contact time to thoroughly clean all parts of the hands. Shorter scrubs often leave germs behind, while spending much longer isn’t necessary for everyday use. To do it properly, wet hands, lather with soap, and scrub all surfaces—palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under the nails—for about twenty seconds, then rinse well and dry with a clean towel. If hands are visibly dirty or greasy, soap and water is preferred over other methods.