2. How to remove the impurity: [1]
The Talmudic[2] sages stated that the impurity does not [completely[3]] leave ones hands until one pours water on each hand three times. The sages [of Kabala[4]] received a tradition that these three pourings on each hand [must[5]] be done inconsecutively [in order to completely remove all remnant of the impurity from ones hands[6]].
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Sparks of Kabala: The reason why the water has ability to remove the impurity from the hands is because water is Chesed [kindness] while the impurity is Gevuros [severities]. The Chasadim of water thus come and nullify the Gevuros.[7]
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[1] Siddur; Basra 4:2; Kama 4:4
[2] Basra 4:2; Tractate Shabbos 109a
[3] Basra 4:2. This implies that one pouring removes some part of the impurity. [Ketzos Hashulchan 2 footnote 11] Due to this some of the below mentioned restrictions are removed with a single washing. A full three time washing is only required to remove all the impurity and all the restrictions. This will be explained in Halacha 7B in Q&A and Chapter 4 Halacha 12
Other opinions regarding if wiping the hands removes impurity: Some Poskim suggest that perhaps even wiping the hands on an item three times, such as a stone, can remove the impurity. [Birchas Avraham mentioned in Olas Tamid 4:13; Elya Raba 4:12; Kaf Hachaim 4:101]
[4] Siddur; Shaar Hakavanos of Arizal; Peri Eitz Chaim 3; In Admur Basra 4:2 it is implied that this applies also according to the Sages of the Talmud, although in truth one can read it differently. In Ketzos Hashulchan 2 footnote 11 he writes that according to the Talmud inconsecutive pouring is not needed to remove the impurity. In Kama 4:4 no mention is made regarding who instituted the inconsecutive pouring.
[5] Siddur and Basra 4:2; Kama 4:4 mentions this as a separate point, without stating that if done consecutively that the impurity will not be removed. Regarding if one may make a blessing if he washed consecutively and no longer has any more water to wash with, see Chapter 4 Halacha 12 with regards to what to do if one does not have enough water.
[6] Siddur and Basra 4:2; This implies that even consecutive pouring removes some part of the impurity. [Ketzos Hashulchan 2 footnote 11] Due to this, some of the below mentioned restrictions, are removed with a single washing. A full three time inconsecutive washing is only required to remove all the impurity and all the restrictions. This will be explained in Halacha 7B in Q&A; Chapter 4 Halacha 12.
[7] Kaf Hachaim 4:12