Does it kill more germs to wash your hands vigorously for 15 seconds or slowly for 30 seconds?

Question

Does it kill more germs to wash your hands vigorously for 15 seconds or slowly for 30 seconds?

In: 11

Answer 1

Washing hands by and large does not kill germs (some bacteria and viruses with lipid walls will be ruptured, yes…). The soap encloses particles (including germs) and the rinsing washes them away. The longer you spend lathering and covering all surfaces with soap and the longer you are rinsing, the better the result. But unless it’s a specifically designed antibacterial soap or alcohol/disinfectant rinse, the purpose is not to kill things, it’s to remove them.