What is a safe way to handle kitchen spills on sticky surfaces?

• A. Wipe up spills immediately to prevent slips and bacteria growth.
• B. Ignore and clean later.
• C. Sprinkle salt to absorb moisture.
• D. Wash the entire kitchen.

Answer: (A)

Spills on sticky surfaces create two safety risks: slipping and bacteria growth. Wiping up spills right away removes the moisture and sticky residue, which cuts the chance of someone slipping and also reduces the conditions that allow bacteria to multiply. After wiping, clean the area with warm soapy water to lift remaining stickiness and then dry it completely before anyone moves through that spot. If the spill is large, contain it and clean promptly to prevent spreading the mess. The other options don’t effectively address both hazards: ignoring the spill leaves people at risk, sprinkling salt isn’t a reliable way to remove moisture or germs, and washing the entire kitchen is unnecessary for a single spill.