how many seconds should you wash your hands

You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove germs. This duration allows enough time to scrub all hand surfaces, including palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails, which helps to reduce the presence of bacteria and viruses significantly. Many health organizations, including the CDC and WHO, recommend this 20-second guideline, often suggesting humming the "Happy Birthday" song twice to time it correctly. Washing for shorter than 20 seconds is less effective in removing germs. Extensions beyond 20 seconds up to 30 seconds can further improve cleanliness, especially in settings requiring higher hygiene levels.