How long should handwashing be performed for effective hygiene?

The recommended duration for effective handwashing is 20 seconds. This amount of time allows for thorough cleaning of all parts of the hands, including the fingernails, between the fingers, and the wrists, which is crucial in removing dirt, germs, and viruses.

Handwashing for less than 20 seconds, such as 10 or 15 seconds, may not sufficiently eliminate all pathogens from the hands, thereby increasing the risk of infection and illness. While some may believe that 30 seconds is an appropriate duration, it is more about the technique and thoroughness than the exact time. Therefore, the optimal and widely accepted duration for washing hands effectively to ensure hygiene is indeed 20 seconds.