Handwashing timer

Press Start and scrub until it rings. Health agencies such as the CDC recommend scrubbing with soap for at least 20 seconds. The full routine walks through wet, scrub, rinse and dry with spoken prompts.

How to wash your hands

1. Wet your hands with clean running water and turn off the tap.
2. Lather with soap: backs of hands, between fingers, and under the nails.
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds, about as long as humming "Happy Birthday" twice.
4. Rinse well under clean running water.
5. Dry with a clean towel or air dry.

These are the CDC's steps. Wash before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, and after touching animals or garbage.

For kids: try the toothbrush timer too.

Questions people ask

How long should you wash your hands?

Scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds, as recommended by the CDC and other health agencies, then rinse and dry.

Does the water need to be hot?

No. The CDC says warm or cold water both work. Soap and scrubbing time matter more.

How do I time 20 seconds without a timer?

Hum "Happy Birthday" from beginning to end twice.