How long should you lather your hands with soap?

Lathering your hands with soap for 20 seconds is widely recommended by health authorities, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as an effective duration for handwashing. This time frame allows for thorough cleaning, ensuring that soap and water adequately remove dirt, germs, and viruses from the skin.

During this 20 seconds, it is important to cover all areas of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails, as well as the back of the hands. This comprehensive approach helps to maximize the effectiveness of the handwashing process. While shorter durations may not be ineffective, 20 seconds strikes the right balance between thoroughness and efficiency, making it the ideal choice for maintaining proper hand hygiene.