Which step should be performed after rinsing hands during hand washing?

The correct step to be performed after rinsing hands during hand washing is to towel dry and turn off taps with a towel. Proper handwashing involves several key steps: wetting the hands, applying soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing them thoroughly, and then drying.

Towel drying is important because it helps remove any remaining contaminants that may not have been rinsed away. The act of drying hands also helps eliminate moisture, which can foster bacterial growth. Additionally, using a towel to turn off the taps prevents recontamination of the hands, as taps can harbor pathogens.

The other options, while relevant in certain contexts, do not follow the correct order of handwashing. Scrubbing between the fingers is part of the scrubbing step before rinsing and wouldn't occur after rinsing. Applying more soap after rinsing doesn’t align with the process since soap should be applied before rinsing, and using sanitizer is typically recommended only when soap and water are not available or in conjunction with handwashing, not as a step immediately following rinsing. Therefore, towel drying and turning off taps with a towel is essential for preventing the spread of germs effectively.