The trick is to **scoop up the bulk first, then wipe away the residue**. A rag tends to push chunks around and quickly gets overloaded.

1. **Scrape and scoop.** Use a dustpan and a silicone spatula, plastic scraper, or two pieces of stiff cardboard. Push the food onto the dustpan and empty it into the trash. A spoon works well for smaller piles.
2. **Blot the remaining liquid.** Use paper towels or an old absorbent towel. For something especially soupy, scoop as much liquid as you can into a bowl first.
3. **Wash and dry.** Wipe with a cloth dampened with warm water and a little dish soap, then wipe with clean water and dry so the floor isn’t slippery.

For salsa **under the fridge**, slide a thin plastic scraper or stiff cardboard underneath and draw the chunks toward you. Then wrap a damp cloth around a flat ruler or yardstick to reach the residue. Secure the cloth so it doesn’t get left underneath, and avoid pushing food farther back. If you can’t reach everything, moving the fridge enough to clean underneath is the best way to prevent lingering smells.

For future spills, a cheap dustpan reserved for kitchen messes is surprisingly useful.