What is the most important element of washing your hands?

Using friction while washing hands is vital because it helps to physically remove dirt, germs, and other contaminants from the skin's surface. The mechanical action of rubbing the hands against each other, along with the soap, enhances the effectiveness of the washing process. Friction ensures that all areas of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails, are thoroughly cleaned, which significantly reduces the risk of spreading infections.

While other aspects, such as removing jewelry, the temperature of the water, and the amount of soap used, play a role in hand hygiene, they do not hold the same level of importance as the use of friction. Removing jewelry can help prevent traps for germs, hot water may make the washing process more comfortable, and using a substantial amount of soap can aid in lathering, but none of these factors can replace the necessity of physically scrubbing the hands to ensure cleanliness. The combination of soap and friction is what effectively eliminates pathogens from the skin.