Rationale in hand washing?

Answer:
kill germs, get dirt off hands. Pretty simple.

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1. Clean them.2. Kills germs.

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stops the spreading of germs and bacteria

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Obviously you pick up all sorts of germs on your hands. I hope you at least wash them after you use the bathroom.? Didn't your mom teach you better. LOL

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It removes the germs you get on them from touching fomites (inanimate objects that carry active live bacteria, such as computer keyboards, phones, doorknobs and light switches). It also removes germs from touching parts of yourself that carry or harbour bacteria (your nose, your face, your genitals).
It also makes you socially acceptable- most people do not like being around a person with dirty hands and fingernails. It shows ignorance, and disrespect for self and others.
Working in a hospital, I washed my hands many many times a day. Would you want to be sick and get an IV made by a person who didn't wash her hands after using the bathroom? Would you want your chef to wipe his rear and then serve you dinner without washing? Would you want a cashier picking her nose and then handing you change?
We all assume that other people are following basic hygiene, but your question says to me maybe we should not.
It is scientifically proven that handwashing can cut down the rate of many diseases significantly, and helps to halt epidemics. It's the number one public health habit that can significantly impact the community. And everyone can do it. All you need is soap and water. Wash for two minutes; Sing the alphabet in your head and that is exactly the right amount of time.

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For your own personal health(not to mention the general public), wash your hands my dude. It kills germs and stops the spread of bacteria.

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Soap mixes with the oils and sweat in the hands. allowing
water to remove from your hands said oils and sweats.
Remember,Oil and water don't mix! "Germs" live on the sweat and oils,on your hands and body. Washing your hands
with soap and water,may kill some of the germs,but most of them are simply washed off of you. This is the reason why soap is STILL used. Unless you use a germicide, there's no-thing for the germs build immunity against!

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Washing hands:Often, especially during cold and flu (influenza) season, can reduce your risk of catching or spreading a cold or the flu.
Before and after preparing or serving food reduces your risk of catching or spreading bacteria that cause food poisoning. Be especially careful to wash before and after preparing poultry, raw eggs, meat, or seafood.
After going to the bathroom or changing diapers reduces your risk of catching or spreading infectious diseases such as salmonella or hepatitis A.
Wash your hands after:Eating or snacking. Handling money. Touching your ears, nose, or mouth. Blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Touching your pets. Any kind of cleaning or hand contact with dirty equipment or work surfaces. Caring for someone who is sick or injured. Taking out the garbage. Using the bathroom. Changing diapers. Proper hand-washing:
Use warm or hot water when possible. Cold water is not as effective for killing bacteria on your hands. Wet your hands and wrists completely under the running water.
Apply a small dab of liquid soap. If you use bar soap, you rinse it off before you use it. Work up a good lather and wash all of the surfaces of your skin, including the wrist, palms, backs of your hands, fingers, and fingernails. Wash your hands for at least 15 to 20 seconds. Rinse your hands thoroughly. Dry your hands. Use your paper towel to turn off the water after you have finished. If soap and water are not available, use gel hand sanitizers or alcohol-based hand wipes. Most supermarkets and drugstores carry these products. Carry one or both with you when you travel, and keep them in your car or purse. If using the gel sanitizer, rub your hands until the gel is dry. You don't need to use water; the alcohol in the gel kills the germs on your hands.

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