How long should you lather with soap during hand hygiene?

• A. 60 seconds
• B. At least 20 seconds
• C. 5 seconds
• D. 2 minutes

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that you need enough time to scrub and lift microbes from the skin so soap can do its job. Lathering for at least twenty seconds gives enough mechanical action to dislodge dirt and germs from all hand surfaces—palms, backs, between the fingers, under the nails, and around the wrists—and allows the soap to emulsify oils that harbor microbes. Shorter times won’t clean thoroughly, while going much longer isn’t necessary for routine hand hygiene. After a twenty-second lather, rinse well and dry with a clean towel to help prevent recontamination.