How long should you wash your hands?

A common public health recommendation is to scrub soapy hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. This timer focuses on that 20 second scrub window and also includes longer practice presets.

How do I use this 20 second hand washing timer?

Wet your hands, add soap, press start, and follow the prompts for palms, backs of hands, fingers, thumbs, and nails. Rinse and dry after the timer finishes.

Can kids use this hand washing timer?

Yes. Kid mode uses playful bubble prompts and a large visual countdown. Young children may still need adult help learning good hand washing steps.

Does this timer have sound?

Yes. Sound cues are available for start, prompt changes, and finish. You can turn sound off for quiet classrooms, offices, or shared spaces.

Free online hygiene timer

20 Second Hand Washing Timer

Use this simple hand washing timer to scrub for a full 20 seconds. Follow the step prompts, watch the bubbles rise, and choose kid-friendly or quiet mode for home, school, work, or travel.

Ready to wash?

Wet hands, add soap, then press start for the scrub countdown.

Palms
Backs
Fingers
Thumbs & nails

How this hand washing timer works

The default preset counts down 20 seconds for the soapy scrub part of hand washing. The prompts split the time across palms, backs of hands, between fingers, thumbs, and nails so you do more than just rinse quickly.

Quick hand washing steps

Wet your hands with clean running water.
Add soap and lather before starting the scrub timer.
Scrub all hand surfaces while the countdown runs.
Rinse well and dry with a clean towel or air dryer.

Good for kids, classrooms, kitchens, and offices

This online hand washing timer is handy after bathroom breaks, before meals, after coughing or sneezing, after handling pets, and before food prep. Kid mode turns the prompts into a little bubble challenge without making the page noisy or complicated.

When to use the longer presets

The 30 and 40 second presets are useful for teaching young kids, practicing careful technique, or slowing down after messy jobs like gardening, cooking, crafts, or cleaning.

Hand washing timer FAQ

Is 20 seconds enough for washing hands?

The common recommendation is to scrub soapy hands for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry. If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, take more time and wash carefully.

Does this include wetting, rinsing, and drying time?

The default timer focuses on the 20 second scrub after soap is on your hands. Wet your hands and add soap first, then rinse and dry after the countdown finishes.

Can I use this as a hand washing timer for kids?

Yes. Tap Kid mode for playful prompts and a big visual countdown. Younger children may need reminders to use soap, cover all hand surfaces, and rinse well.

Can I turn off the sound?

Yes. Use the Sound button to switch audio cues on or off. The visual prompts still work when sound is off.

Is this medical advice?

No. This is a practical timing tool. Follow guidance from your healthcare provider, workplace, school, or local public health authority when specific hygiene rules apply.