How long should you lather soap during handwashing?

The recommended duration for lathering soap during handwashing is 20 seconds. This timeframe is based on guidance from health organizations, like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which emphasize that proper hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of germs and maintaining food safety.

When washing hands, lathering for at least 20 seconds allows enough time to thoroughly clean all surfaces of your hands, including the backs, between fingers, and under the nails. This duration helps ensure that soap can effectively break down and lift away bacteria, viruses, and dirt from the skin, which is key in reducing the risk of cross-contamination in food service environments such as Taco Bell.

While shorter times, such as 10 or 15 seconds, may not provide sufficient cleaning, longer durations like 30 seconds may not be necessary for effective sanitation in most situations. Therefore, 20 seconds strikes the right balance between thoroughness and practicality for effective handwashing.