Texas Mold Assessment Consultant Practice Exam

How should hard surface porous flooring be cleaned?

1. Discard and replace for safety

2. Only vacuum with a regular vacuum

3. Wet vacuum and scrub as necessary

4. Apply only chemical solutions

The correct answer is: Wet vacuum and scrub as necessary

Cleaning hard surface porous flooring effectively requires a combination of wet vacuuming and scrubbing as necessary. This method is essential because porous surfaces can trap contaminants, including mold spores, dirt, and allergens. A wet vacuum is particularly useful in this context as it can extract water, debris, and contaminants from the surface and any porous materials, reducing the risk of moisture-related issues like mold growth. Scrubbing also plays a critical role, especially in areas where substances have adhered more firmly to the surface. The action of scrubbing can help dislodge dirt and contaminants, providing a deeper clean that simple vacuuming cannot achieve. It’s important to ensure that the cleaning agents used are appropriate for porous materials, as some chemicals may damage the surface or fail to remove all contaminants effectively. This approach is more comprehensive than just vacuuming or applying chemicals alone, as it provides a thorough cleaning mechanism while also addressing the unique challenges posed by porous flooring materials. Discarding and replacing flooring would be an extreme measure that isn't necessary for effective cleaning, and relying solely on chemicals might not provide adequate physical removal of contaminants.