Handwashing timer
A free handwashing timer preset to 20 seconds, the scrubbing time the CDC recommends. Twenty seconds is longer than it feels, and a visible countdown by the sink beats humming a song twice. Also searched as hand washing timer, 20 second hand wash timer, wash hands timer.
The five steps
| Step | What to do | Timer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Wet | Clean running water, warm or cold | — |
| 2. Lather | Soap on the backs of hands, between fingers, under nails | — |
| 3. Scrub | Keep going until the alarm | 20 s, press Start |
| 4. Rinse | Under clean running water | — |
| 5. Dry | Clean towel or air dry | — |
The 20 seconds covers only the scrub. Wetting and lathering come first, so press Space once your hands are soapy. Full guidance is on the CDC clean hands page.
When to wash
- Before, during and after preparing food, and before eating.
- After using the toilet, changing a diaper or helping a child use the toilet.
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- After touching animals, pet food or garbage.
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick or treating a wound.
No sink nearby? A hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is the CDC's fallback, rubbed in until dry. It does not remove all germs or visible dirt, so wash with soap when you can.
Classrooms and daycare
Tick Repeat and the 20 seconds restarts after every alarm, so a line of students can wash one after another with no one touching the screen. Press F to put it fullscreen on a display near the sink. The classroom timer page covers more routines, and the kids timer explains how the shrinking ring helps younger children.
The plain 20 second timer is the same length without the washing notes.
Frequently asked questions
Why 20 seconds?
The CDC found that scrubbing for about 20 seconds removes more germs than shorter washes. It is also roughly the time it takes to hum Happy Birthday twice.
Does the 20 seconds include rinsing?
No. It is scrubbing time only. Wet and lather first, start the timer, then rinse and dry after the alarm.
Can I keep it running for a whole class?
Yes. Tick Repeat and the countdown restarts by itself about one second after each alarm.
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