What is the correct procedure for washing hands?

The correct procedure for washing hands is to rub hands together for 20 seconds with warm water and soap. Washing hands effectively is a crucial step in maintaining food safety and personal hygiene, especially in the food service industry.

Using warm water is important as it helps to dissolve soap and remove dirt, grease, and harmful pathogens more effectively than cold water. The recommendation to rub hands together for a full 20 seconds ensures that all surfaces of the hands, including between the fingers, under the nails, and around the wrists, are thoroughly cleaned. This duration is based on studies showing that sufficient time is needed to kill germs and ensure hands are properly disinfected.

In contrast, simply using cold water (as mentioned in one of the options) may not be as effective in the removal of contaminants. Washing for only 10 seconds may not provide enough time to adequately clean the hands. Lastly, rinsing with water without soap does not effectively remove pathogens, rendering handwashing ineffective. Thus, the detailed process of using warm water and soap for a specified duration is essential for ensuring proper hand hygiene.