Texas Mold Assessment Consultant Practice Exam

Which cleaning method is suggested for carpets and backing that have less than 10 sq ft of mold contamination?

1. High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum only

2. Discard the carpet immediately

3. Wet vacuum and then HEPA vacuum after drying

4. Damp-wipe with plain water only

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

The recommended cleaning method for carpets and backing with less than 10 square feet of mold contamination involves using a wet vacuum followed by HEPA vacuuming after the area has dried. This approach is effective for addressing minor mold contamination while ensuring that spores are properly removed from the surface. Using a wet vacuum first helps to physically remove mold and dirt from the carpet. The addition of HEPA vacuuming post-drying plays a crucial role in capturing any remaining particles, including potentially airborne mold spores that might have been agitated during the wet cleaning process. This two-step process enhances the thoroughness of the mold remediation effort, ensuring both moisture and contaminants are adequately addressed. The other methods do not provide the same level of effectiveness or safety for handling mold on carpets. For example, simply discarding the carpet could be excessive and wasteful for small areas of contamination. HEPA vacuuming alone would not adequately address the moisture and potential growth from the mold, and damp-wiping with plain water wouldn't sufficiently eliminate the mold or prevent regrowth. Therefore, the chosen method aligns with best practices for mold remediation in small areas while minimizing health risks.