When 6 Seconds Is Never Enough: How to Wash Your Hands Properly

We wash our hands so often that it’s easy to forget how important it really is — but quick rinses don’t remove the germs that cause colds, flu, and everyday bugs. Most people wash their hands for just 6 seconds, but proper handwashing takes at least 15–20 seconds to be effective. Here’s why it matters — and how to do it properly.

Why 6 seconds isn’t enough

A fast splash under the tap doesn’t remove the germs that sit on your palms, fingertips, and under your nails. Studies show that:

95% of people wash for less than 10 seconds
1 in 3 don’t use soap
1 in 10 don’t wash their hands at all

Those few extra seconds make a huge difference in reducing the spread of everyday illnesses.

How to wash your hands properly

Follow this simple step‑by‑step routine:

Wet your hands with clean, running water
Add enough soap to cover all surfaces
Rub your palms together
Rub the back of each hand
Interlace your fingers and rub between them
Rub the backs of your fingers against your palms
Clean around each thumb
Rub fingertips in circular motions on each palm
Rinse thoroughly
Dry completely with a clean towel or air dryer

Time needed: 15–20 seconds — about the length of humming Jingle Bells from start to chorus.

Make it fun for kids

Children learn best through routine and play. Try:

A handwashing song
Colourful soap
A “germ timer” challenge
Reward charts for younger kids

Turning it into a game helps build habits that stick.

When to wash your hands

A quick reminder of the key moments:

After using the toilet
Before eating or preparing food
After blowing your nose or coughing
After touching pets
When coming home from school, work, or shopping
After handling bins or recycling

Those extra few seconds at the sink make a real difference. Proper handwashing is one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect yourself and your family from everyday germs — and once it becomes a habit, you won’t even notice the extra time.