How long should you wash your hands with soap and water to effectively remove germs?

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the recommended duration to effectively remove germs. This time frame allows for proper lathering and scrubbing of all surfaces of the hands, including the backs, in between fingers, and under the nails, which are common areas where germs can accumulate. Research has shown that activities like washing hands for a shorter duration, such as 10 seconds, may not provide sufficient time to eliminate harmful pathogens. While washing for 30 seconds or longer is beneficial and may provide even greater assurance of cleanliness, the 20-second guideline is specifically endorsed by health organizations as a minimum effective time for reducing the presence of germs. Thus, a duration of 20 seconds strikes a balance between effective cleaning and practicality.