I have recently startde a new cycle of Mishna Berura learning, but cannot find the answer to this. When washing hands for, say, Moitze, do they have to be dry beforehand. i.e. could I wash them with soap first for cleanliness, and then without drying wash with a keli. Or alternatively wash with keli first and then with soap?
Answer:
There is no problem in washing with wet hands, provided that the water on your hand was not made tamei by an external source, such as somebody else’s hands, or the right hand touching the left hand. Therefore, if you wash your hands before washing, which usually includes rubbing hands together, you should first dry your hands. Alternatively, let the water from the faucet run over your hands after you finish washing them, so that there no water that came into contact with the other hand remains on each of your hands. You can then wash as usual.
Sources: See Shulchan Aruch 162:4; Mishnah Berurah 162:64.
