Texas Mold Assessment Consultant Practice Exam

According to the EPA's "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings," how should non-porous hard surface areas be cleaned?

1. With bleach solution

2. With detergent solution

3. With water only

4. With alcohol wipes

The correct answer is: With detergent solution

The correct method for cleaning non-porous hard surface areas, as outlined by the EPA's "Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings," is using a detergent solution. This approach is effective because detergent can break down the dirt and biological contaminants on surfaces, making it easier to remove mold and other debris. Using a detergent solution not only cleans the surface but helps to eliminate any mold spores that may be present. Detergents have surface-active properties that allow them to penetrate and adhere to surfaces more effectively than water alone. In contrast, while bleach solutions may be commonly thought of for disinfecting, they can sometimes be ineffective against mold on porous surfaces and may not provide the best results for hard surfaces. Water alone would not adequately remove mold or dirt, nor would alcohol wipes be practical for larger areas or for surfaces that require thorough cleaning. Thus, detergent solution is the recommended approach for effective mold remediation on non-porous hard surfaces.