Depending on the type of rice and the recipe you're making, you may need to wash rice prior to cooking.
In terms of cleanliness, modern rice does not necessarily need to be washed as it will be boiled or cooked sufficiently.
Rinsing rice can help wash away some of the excess starch found on the outside of the grains, which can help reduce its "sticky" texture. However, some recipes call for soaking rice, such as in recipes for stick rice, to help hydrate the grains.