1. Prepare a clean workspace: Gather all the necessary tools before starting, including soap, water, and a clean towel or paper towels.

2. Turn on the tap: Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold. Warm water is ideal for handwashing.

3. Wet your hands: Place both hands under the running water, ensuring they are fully wet.

4. Apply soap: Put a sufficient amount of liquid or bar soap on your hands, at least 2 teaspoons.

5. Lather the soap: Rub both hands together for at least 20 seconds to evenly distribute the soap and create a lather.

6. Clean your palms: Place one hand on top of the other, interlace your fingers, and rub them together to clean your palms.

7. Clean the back of your hands: Put one hand on top of the other with the back of one hand against the palm of the other hand and rub them together, then switch and repeat with the other hand.

8. Clean between your fingers: Interlace your fingers and rub them against each other to clean all the spaces between your fingers.

9. Clean under your nails: Gently scratch your nails against the opposite palm to remove any dirt from underneath.

10. Rinse your hands: Hold both hands under running water to wash away all traces of soap until no more suds are visible.

11. Dry your hands: Use a clean towel or paper towels to dry your hands thoroughly, paying special attention to areas between fingers where moisture can linger.

12. Turn off the faucet: Use a towel or paper towel to turn off the faucet without recontaminating your newly cleaned hands.

13. Discard any used paper towels: Properly dispose of them in a waste bin, and sanitize any reusable towels by washing them in hot water with soap after use.

By following these 13 steps, you can ensure proper hand hygiene and minimize the spread of germs and illnesses. Help protect yourself and others by maintaining a proper handwashing routine.