In proper handwashing, which step is performed last?

• A. Turn off faucet with a paper towel.
• B. Wet hands.
• C. Apply soap.
• D. Rinse.

Answer: (A)

Turning off the faucet with a paper towel is the last step because it closes the loop on cleanliness by preventing recontamination of your hands after washing. After you wet, soap up, scrub, and rinse, your hands are clean, and the faucet handle could be dirty. Using a paper towel to turn it off keeps your hands from touching a potentially contaminated surface. The other steps—getting hands wet, applying soap, and rinsing—are all part of the washing process that removes germs, but they happen before you finish and seal the clean state with a final touch that avoids recontamination.