What is the first step in the hand washing procedure?

Wetting hands with clean running water is the first step in the hand washing procedure because it helps to remove dirt and debris from the hands before applying soap. This initial rinsing also starts to loosen any contaminants that may be present on the skin. Proper hand hygiene is critical in preventing the spread of infections, and beginning with wet hands ensures that soap can be applied more effectively, allowing it to lather and work more efficiently in cleaning the surfaces of the hands. Following this step, applying soap, scrubbing, rinsing, and drying can be completed in a systematic manner for optimal effectiveness in hand hygiene.