During hand washing, how long must hands be rubbed?

During hand washing, it is essential to rub hands together for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove germs and bacteria. This duration allows sufficient time for the soap to work on breaking down any pathogens present on the skin. The act of rubbing creates friction, which is critical in dislodging dirt, debris, and microorganisms from the surface of the skin.

In a food handling context, this practice is particularly crucial because it helps prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses. Research shows that a minimum of 20 seconds significantly improves the cleanliness of hands compared to shorter durations, which may not fully ensure effective cleaning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends this length of time as a standard for proper hand hygiene, reinforcing the importance of thorough hand washing in food safety protocols.