According to the CDC, how long should you wash your hands for?

According to the CDC, how long should you wash your hands for?

• A. 5 seconds
• B. 60 seconds
• C. 20 seconds
• D. 40 seconds

Answer: (C)

Wash your hands for about 20 seconds. The CDC recommends at least 20 seconds of thorough scrubbing with soap and water to remove germs from all parts of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails. Shorter times, like a quick 5-second rinse, may not remove many microbes, while longer times (40 or 60 seconds) don’t provide extra benefit for typical hand hygiene. So 20 seconds is the standard duration for effective cleaning.

Wash your hands for about 20 seconds. The CDC recommends at least 20 seconds of thorough scrubbing with soap and water to remove germs from all parts of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails. Shorter times, like a quick 5-second rinse, may not remove many microbes, while longer times (40 or 60 seconds) don’t provide extra benefit for typical hand hygiene. So 20 seconds is the standard duration for effective cleaning.