According to health standards, how many seconds should you wash your hands for effective cleanliness?

Washing hands effectively is crucial for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the spread of illness. Health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend that hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove germs and dirt. This timeframe allows for thorough cleaning, ensuring that soap can break down and wash away potentially harmful pathogens. It is also often recommended to sing a short song, like "Happy Birthday," twice to help individuals gauge the duration of handwashing. Shorter durations, like 15 seconds, may not provide enough time to clean all surfaces of the hands adequately, while longer durations, such as 30 or 45 seconds, may not be practical for routine handwashing, although they are not harmful. Thus, 20 seconds strikes a balance between thoroughness and feasibility in daily hygiene practices.