How long should you wash your hands with soap, water, and friction to ensure effective cleanliness?

Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds is recommended because it is the optimal duration to effectively remove dirt, germs, and other contaminants from your hands. This time frame has been supported by health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which emphasize that thorough handwashing includes scrubbing all parts of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails. This duration allows sufficient time to create lather and for the mechanical action of friction to dislodge and remove pathogens effectively. Washing for 20 seconds or longer ensures that you achieve a higher level of cleanliness compared to shorter durations, which may not provide the same thorough cleansing effect.