Which of the following handwashing sequences correctly describes proper technique?

• A. Wet hands, dry with towels, apply soap, rinse, and avoid touching non-sanitized surfaces.
• B. Apply soap, wet hands, scrub for 40 seconds, rinse, air dry.
• C. Rinse first, then soap, scrub for 10 seconds, and air dry.
• D. Wet hands, apply soap, scrub all surfaces for 20 seconds, rinse, dry with disposable towels.

Answer: (D)

Proper handwashing follows a sequence that ensures germs are removed and recontamination is minimized. Wet hands first, apply soap, scrub all surfaces for about 20 seconds, rinse thoroughly, and dry with disposable towels. Wetting first lets the soap create a good lather that lifts dirt and microbes; scrubbing all surfaces—including backs of the hands, between fingers, and under nails—for around 20 seconds covers the areas where germs hide; rinsing washes away the soap along with the loosened contaminants; drying with disposable towels helps prevent recontamination from towels or taps. The other options break this sequence in important ways: drying before soap, starting with soap after drying, rinsing before lathering, or using an improper scrub duration or non-disposable drying method all fail to provide the same level of cleanliness and protection against recontamination.