To scrub the hands for a surgery , water that can be turned on and off without touching with the hands is needed , a cleaning liquid named `` chlorhexidine '' or `` iodine wash '' , sterile cloth for drying the hands after washing , a sterile brush for hard washing and another sterile instrument for cleaning under the fingernails . To ` scrub ' one 's hands for a surgical operation , it is necessary to have a tap that can be turned on and off without touching with the hands , some chlorhexidine or iodine wash , sterile towels for drying the hands after washing , and a sterile brush for scrubbing and another sterile instrument for cleaning under the fingernails .