What do you need in order to wash your hands properly?

Washing hands properly is essential for food safety and preventing the spread of germs. The correct answer emphasizes the importance of using warm running water and soap, which are crucial components of effective hand hygiene.

Warm running water helps to remove dirt, grease, and pathogens from the skin more effectively than cold water. It is also more comfortable for individuals, which encourages proper and thorough washing. Soap plays a vital role by breaking down the oils and debris on the skin, making it easier to rinse them away.

Additionally, using paper towels is important not just for drying hands but also for reducing the potential for cross-contamination. After washing and drying, having a disposable method to turn off the faucet and open doors helps maintain hand hygiene after the washing process.

While other options include components that are sometimes associated with hand hygiene, they lack the comprehensive approach provided by warm water, soap, and paper towels. Hand sanitizer, for example, is a useful alternative when soap and water are not available but does not address the necessity of physical removal of dirt and pathogens as washing does. Similarly, hot water and bleach are not appropriate for hand washing as they can irritate the skin and are not safe for that purpose.