During proper handwashing, how long should you scrub with soap, including wrists and between fingers?

During proper handwashing, how long should you scrub with soap, including wrists and between fingers?

• A. Five to Ten Seconds
• B. Fifteen to Thirty Seconds
• C. Forty-Five to Sixty Seconds
• D. Two Minutes

Answer: (B)

You need enough time for the soap to work and for you to scrub every surface of the hands, wrists, and between the fingers so germs are lifted away by friction. Fifteen to thirty seconds is the right range because it gives you time to clean all areas thoroughly—palms, backs of the hands, between the fingers, under the nails, and the wrists—without being so long that it becomes impractical in most care settings. Shorter times like five to ten seconds often miss spots and don’t remove many microbes, while much longer times, such as forty to sixty seconds or two minutes, aren’t necessary for routine hand hygiene and can irritate the skin. Target around twenty seconds and ensure you scrub all surfaces with good friction to meet proper handwashing standards.

You need enough time for the soap to work and for you to scrub every surface of the hands, wrists, and between the fingers so germs are lifted away by friction. Fifteen to thirty seconds is the right range because it gives you time to clean all areas thoroughly—palms, backs of the hands, between the fingers, under the nails, and the wrists—without being so long that it becomes impractical in most care settings. Shorter times like five to ten seconds often miss spots and don’t remove many microbes, while much longer times, such as forty to sixty seconds or two minutes, aren’t necessary for routine hand hygiene and can irritate the skin. Target around twenty seconds and ensure you scrub all surfaces with good friction to meet proper handwashing standards.