How long should hands be washed to effectively reduce bacteria?

• A. 5 seconds
• B. 10 seconds
• C. 15 seconds
• D. At least 20 seconds

Answer: (D)

The length of time you wash your hands matters because bacteria cling to skin oils and hard-to-reach areas, and soap needs time to lift and carry them away. Washing for at least 20 seconds gives soap, friction, and water enough opportunity to cover all surfaces—palms, backs of the hands, between fingers, under the nails, and up to the wrists. This thorough scrubbing, followed by a complete rinse, removes more germs and reduces the risk of transferring them to food, utensils, or prep surfaces. Shorter times don’t provide as much opportunity for soap and rubbing to do their job, so 20 seconds is the reliable standard to effectively reduce bacteria.