Before starting service for each client, how should work surfaces be cleaned?

• A. with only water
• B. with a clean disposable towel
• C. with a dry cloth
• D. with a chemical cleaner only

Answer: (B)

Keeping work surfaces clean for each client relies on using fresh, single-use materials to remove contaminants. Wiping with a clean disposable towel ensures that dirt, oils, and microbes from the previous client aren’t transferred to the next one, because the towel is used once and then discarded. This minimizes cross-contamination far better than using water alone (which doesn’t remove oils or microbes effectively), a dry cloth (which can spread contaminants), or a chemical cleaner used without a subsequent wipe with a fresh towel (which can leave residues and may not fully remove debris). Using a clean disposable towel embodies the practice of preventing transfer of contaminants between clients.