Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective defenses against infections. Yet many people underestimate how much time is truly needed to do it properly—and that difference can determine whether pathogens are removed or left free to spread.
The science behind handwashing time
Hands host millions of microbes. Germs cling to the skin, especially in creases, between fingers, and under the nails. A quick 5–10 second rinse may remove visible dirt, but it often fails to eliminate enough microorganisms to stop transmission.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend scrubbing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This duration allows soap to work effectively, breaking down oils and lifting microorganisms so they can be rinsed away. Evidence shows that the 15–30 second range results in a far greater reduction of germs compared to very short washes.
In healthcare settings, alcohol-based hand rubs also require about 20 seconds of rubbing until hands are completely dry.
Effective hand hygiene, as part of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, can prevent up to 70% of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). A huge impact for such a simple action.
What you gain in 20 seconds
- Greater removal of germs thanks to the full action of soap
- Coverage of critical areas such as thumbs, fingertips, and under the nails
- A significant reduction in infection risk, supported by research
Why shortcuts don’t work
Even though time is essential, it is not enough on its own. Handwashing is effective only when adequate time is combined with proper technique. Here’s why:
- Short washes leave many germs behind.
Even when hands look clean, a significant number of microorganisms can remain attached to the skin. Washing for just a few seconds does not allow soap to act fully or the mechanical motion of rubbing to remove pathogens.
- Critical areas are easily missed.
Thumbs, fingertips, the backs of the hands, and the spaces between fingers are among the most contaminated areas, yet they are also the most frequently overlooked during a rushed wash. Proper technique ensures all these surfaces are adequately scrubbed.
- In hospitals, poor hand hygiene directly contributes to HAIs.
Healthcare-associated infections often spread through hand contact. Even wearing gloves does not eliminate the risk:
Gloves can tear, become contaminated, or create a false sense of security.
- If healthcare workers do not clean their hands before and after glove use, pathogens can still transfer from one surface to another—or from one patient to another.
A well-performed handwash is never just about speed. It requires attention, time, and correct hand movements. Every missed step increases the risk that germs remain and spread.
At HANDHY, we believe effective hygiene starts with awareness and correct technique. Technology can support compliance, but at its core, hand hygiene is about human behavior: time and technique matter—especially when proper hand hygiene can prevent up to 70% of HAIs.
→ The next time you wash your hands, count to 20. Those seconds are not a detail—they are prevention and care.
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