When is it Required to Wash Hands with a Vessel? And When is a Blessing Recited on the Washing?

Greetings,

For washing hands in the morning, ideally, it is good to be particular about using a vessel (see Shulchan Aruch and Rama, Orach Chayim 4:7 and Mishnah Berurah there), and one should recite the blessing on the washing of hands (Shulchan Aruch there, 4:1).

For washing hands prior to a bread meal, it is mandatory to be particular about using a vessel (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 168:1), and one should recite the blessing on the washing of hands (there, Orach Chayim 178:1).

For washing hands after using the restroom, by the letter of the law there is no need for a vessel, and those who are stringent to wash with a vessel should be blessed.

See here.

If one has relieved himself, he should then recite the blessing of Asher Yatzar (there, Orach Chayim 7:1), and if he entered the restroom but did not relieve himself, he should wash his hands without any blessing (see Mishnah Berurah 4:25).

For washing hands after a haircut or nail clipping, as well as for any hand washing done to remove bad spirits, there is no need for a vessel. And anyone who is stringent is holy. No blessing should be recited on this washing.

See here.

For washing hands that is for cleanliness, such as after touching the body or shoes, there is no need for a vessel, and no blessing should be recited on the washing.

Blessings,

Hillel Meirs