What is the correct method for washing hands?

• A. Rinse with warm water, apply soap, rub hands together, rinse thoroughly, dry, and apply hand sanitizer.
• B. Rinse with cold water, rub with soap, air dry
• C. Use only hand sanitizer
• D. Wet hands with water then dry without soap

Answer: (A)

Effective handwashing combines cleaning action with thorough rinsing and drying, then uses sanitizer as an extra measure when appropriate. Wet the hands, apply soap, and rub vigorously for enough time to lift dirt and microbes from all surfaces. Rinse under clean running water to remove the soap and loosened contaminants, then dry completely to prevent moisture that can harbor organisms. If your facility requires or recommends it, apply hand sanitizer afterward for additional reduction of any remaining microbes. This sequence ensures hands are free of soil and microorganisms and minimizes recontamination.

Other options miss essential steps: washing with only water or without soap won’t remove soils effectively; using only sanitizer ignores the need to physically remove dirt and microbes; drying without cleansing leaves contaminants on the skin.