If someone comes into contact with hpv then washes their hands with soap and water is this effective in removing the virus from the surface of the hands? i've read that hpv isn't killed by soap?

Whether or not HPV is killed by soap or washing really isn't what matter. The important thing is that HPV is never transmitted by non-sexual touching or by contact with the virus in the environment. Hand washing is inherently, but it makes no difference for HPV prevention. No house mates of people with HPV are infected after years of sharing toilets, kitchens, etc -- unless they are sex partners.