What materials do you need to wash your hands effectively at a handwashing sink?

To wash your hands effectively at a handwashing sink, it is essential to use warm running water, soap, and paper towels. Warm water is preferred because it helps in dissolving oils and removing dirt more effectively than cold water would. Soap is crucial for breaking down grease and removing germs from your skin. It plays an indispensable role in the handwashing process.

Paper towels are the recommended choice for drying hands because they are disposable and help prevent the spread of germs that can occur with reusable cloth towels. Additionally, using paper towels allows for a proper way to turn off the faucet after washing—minimizing the risk of re-contaminating hands after they have just been cleaned.

Using hot water alone, without soap, fails to effectively clean hands because it does not help in eliminating dirt and pathogens. Similarly, washing with only soap and no water will not provide the necessary cleansing action to remove harmful microbes. Thus, the combination of warm water, soap, and paper towels represents the best practice for effective hand hygiene in food handling settings.