Final answer:
In general, the CDC recommends scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds after applying soap during handwashing. However, in health-care or surgery settings, the scrubbing time may be longer and depend on specific factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
After applying soap, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds for general handwashing. This is roughly the same time it takes to hum the 'Happy Birthday' song twice. It's important to mention that duration can vary according to different protocols, particularly in health-care settings and surgical scrubbing where scrubbing time can be far more extensive and may depend on manufacturer's recommendations and the type of antimicrobial used.
The goal of handwashing and in particular, scrubbing, is to reduce the normal microbiota on the skin's surface thereby helping to prevent the spread of diseases. So, while there isn't a single widely accepted protocol for the length of scrubbing, the general rule is to scrub long enough to effectively reduce microbial load. However, no matter the procedure or duration, proper hand hygiene is a critical aspect of public health and serves to prevent the transmission of harmful microbes.
Learn more about Hand washing