Certified Nursing Assistant Level I Exam Prep 2026 - Complete OSBN Certification Practice

Effective handwashing requires enough time to mechanically remove germs through scrubbing and rinsing. The minimum duration used for proper cleanliness is 20 seconds. This amount of time lets soap break down oils and dirt and allows the rubbing action to lift microbes from all surfaces of the hands, including between fingers, under nails, and the backs of hands, before a thorough rinse and dry. Washing for only a few seconds won’t remove many pathogens, while washing much longer than 20 seconds isn’t necessary for routine hygiene and can be impractical. This standard 20-second duration is what ensures hands are cleansed adequately without overdoing it.