What is the proper length you should follow when scrubbing hands?

The recommended length for scrubbing hands is at least 20 seconds. This duration ensures that soap can effectively break down and remove dirt, germs, and other pathogens from the skin's surface. Studies have shown that washing for this amount of time significantly reduces the number of bacteria on the hands compared to shorter durations.

The choice of humming the "happy birthday" song twice is a popular technique to help individuals gauge the 20 seconds; however, it does not specify the actual recommended time. Similarly, humming the song two or three times can also align with the 20-second guideline but may not necessarily emphasize what is considered the standard recommendation.

While some guidelines suggest that washing for at least 30 seconds can be more effective in very specific situations, such as during an outbreak of a contagious illness, the standard recommendation for general hand hygiene aligns with the 20-second mark. This balance helps ensure that individuals practice effective and efficient handwashing, which is critical in preventing the spread of infections.