How long should hand washing take?

• A. 60 seconds
• B. At least 20 seconds
• C. 2 minutes
• D. 5 seconds

Answer: (B)

Hand washing effectiveness comes from enough time for soap and friction to lift dirt and microorganisms from every surface of the hands. For routine hygiene in healthcare, this should be at least twenty seconds. That duration lets you scrub all areas—palms, backs of the hands, between the fingers, under the nails, and the wrists—thoroughly so transient microbes are removed. Very short washes don’t reach all areas or remove many microbes, while longer durations are generally reserved for surgical hand antisepsis. So, aim for at least twenty seconds to ensure proper cleaning.