What is the first step when washing your hands?

Getting your hands wet with running water is the essential first step in the handwashing process. This step serves multiple purposes: it helps to loosen dirt and debris on the skin, making it easier for soap to perform its function of breaking down oils and grime. Wetting your hands also creates a better lather with soap, which is crucial for effectively removing pathogens.

In the context of proper hand hygiene, the sequence of steps is vital to ensure that microbes are efficiently removed from the surface of the skin. Starting by wetting your hands prepares them for the application of soap, allowing for a thorough cleaning process that ultimately helps prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses.