Texas Mold Assessment Consultant Practice Exam

What should be done with wood surfaces affected by mold?

1. Only damp-wipe with plain water

2. Use chemical treatments exclusively

3. Wet vacuum, then HEPA vacuum after drying

4. Steam clean and leave to dry

The correct answer is: Wet vacuum, then HEPA vacuum after drying

Wood surfaces affected by mold require a thorough and effective cleaning process to ensure that the mold is not only removed but that the likelihood of it returning is minimized. The correct approach is to first use wet vacuuming to extract moisture and mold spores. This step is crucial because it allows for the controlled removal of any loose mold and contaminants from the wood surface without spreading spores into the air. After the wet vacuuming process, using a HEPA vacuum once the wood has dried is essential. HEPA vacuums are designed to capture very fine particles, including mold spores that may have settled or been disturbed during the initial cleaning. This two-step approach ensures that both visible and microscopic mold are adequately removed from the wood surfaces. Taking only a damp wipe with plain water doesn’t address the mold deeply embedded in the wood or sufficiently remove spores; relying solely on chemical treatments might not effectively eliminate the mold or could damage the wood. Steam cleaning can be over-wet for some wood surfaces, potentially causing warping or other water damage, and might not adequately address spores that remain in the wood fibers. Therefore, the combination of wet vacuuming followed by HEPA vacuuming is the most effective method for treating mold-affected wood surfaces.