The routine of the day begins with saying: “Modeh ani…” (Siddur Tehilat HaShem p. 6, "I acknowledge before You, living and eternal King..."). This is said before the morning laving of the hands, even while the hands are "impure." The reason is that all the impurities in the world do not defile a Jew's "I acknowledge." He might lack one thing or another, but his “Modeh ani” remains intact.