What is the first step in proper hand washing?

The first step in proper hand washing is to wet hands with warm water. This initial step is crucial because it helps to loosen dirt and grime from the skin's surface, making subsequent steps more effective. Warm water can be more pleasant and encouraging for thorough washing, which may lead individuals to spend more time on the task.

Following this step, applying soap, scrubbing, and rinsing are important, but without wetting the hands first, the soap may not lather properly or be effective in cleaning hands. Additionally, drying hands and using hand sanitizer are steps that follow after washing, emphasizing the importance of getting the washing process right from the very beginning.