How long should you wash your hands to ensure they are clean?

The recommended duration for washing hands to ensure they are adequately cleaned is 20 seconds. This time frame is based on research and guidelines from health authorities that indicate thorough handwashing requires enough time to effectively remove dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants from the skin.

During those 20 seconds, it's essential to scrub all parts of the hands, including between fingers, under nails, and around the wrists. This comprehensive approach to hand hygiene maximizes the likelihood of eliminating harmful pathogens. While shorter times may be better than washing hands for no time at all, they do not provide the necessary duration to remove contaminants effectively, which is why the other time frames suggested are insufficient. Regularly practicing this 20-second standard can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and promote overall public health safety.