When outside of a healthcare setting, how long does the CDC recommend washing your hands?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove germs and reduce the risk of spreading infections. This duration is based on research indicating that thorough washing, including the scrubbing of all parts of the hands with soap, can significantly decrease microbial load.

The emphasis on the 20-second timeframe is to ensure that hands are washed properly, which includes lathering with soap and ensuring that all surfaces of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails, are cleaned thoroughly. This duration helps to guarantee that enough time is taken to dislodge and wash away pathogens that may not be effectively removed in a shorter timeframe.

In the context of hand hygiene, shorter durations such as 10 seconds may not be sufficient to achieve desired cleanliness, while durations like 30 or 40 seconds are unnecessary for most situations outside healthcare settings, making the 20 seconds the most practical and efficient recommendation.