What is the correct order for washing hands to ensure thorough cleanliness?

The correct sequence for washing hands is to first wet the hands, then apply soap, followed by scrubbing, rinsing, and finally drying. This order is essential for effective hand hygiene.

Starting with wet hands allows the soap to spread more easily and begin breaking down any dirt, bacteria, or viruses present. After wetting, applying soap is crucial because it is the agent that lifts and removes contaminants from the skin. The scrubbing step is important as it physically removes pathogens and debris, and it should last for at least 20 seconds to maximize effectiveness. Rinsing removes the soap along with the lifted dirt and pathogens from your hands. Finally, drying your hands removes any remaining bacteria that might still be present and prevents cross-contamination.

This method is endorsed by health safety organizations to ensure the highest level of cleanliness, especially in food service settings, where proper handwashing is critical in preventing foodborne illnesses.