What is the first step to washing your hands?

The first step to washing your hands involves wetting them with clean, running water. This is important because it helps to remove dirt and microorganisms before adding soap. Wetting your hands also helps to create a lather when the soap is applied, making the cleansing process more effective. Proper handwashing is a crucial method to prevent the spread of germs and maintain hygiene. The other options represent subsequent steps in the handwashing process but do not come before the initial act of wetting the hands, which sets the foundation for effective hand hygiene.