What is the correct order for washing hands to ensure proper hygiene?

The correct order for washing hands to ensure proper hygiene is to first wet the hands, which helps to loosen dirt and contaminants. Following this, lathering with soap is essential as it helps to trap and remove dirt, grime, and pathogens from the skin. Scrubbing is the next step, as it involves physically cleaning the hands and ensuring that all surfaces, including between the fingers and under the nails, are thoroughly cleaned. Rinsing then removes the soap along with the contaminants that have been lifted off the skin. Finally, drying your hands is important because it prevents the transfer of germs; a clean towel can also further absorb germs.

This sequence is aligned with widely recognized hygiene practices and is crucial for effectively reducing the risk of infection. Proper hand hygiene follows this method to ensure that hands are adequately cleaned and sanitized, thus protecting both the individual and those around them from illness.