How long should you wash your hands to effectively remove pathogens?

Washing hands for 20 seconds is the recommended duration to effectively remove pathogens. This length of time is endorsed by health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as it allows for sufficient friction and thoroughness needed to dislodge dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the skin's surface. During these 20 seconds, it's important to ensure that all areas of the hands are scrubbed, including the backs of hands, between fingers, and under fingernails.

Research shows that shorter washing times may not effectively eliminate harmful microorganisms, while washing for longer durations, such as 30 seconds or 1 minute, may not significantly increase the effectiveness compared to the 20-second benchmark, and could lead to skin irritation or damage if done excessively. Therefore, 20 seconds strikes a balance between effectiveness and practicality for routine hand hygiene.