Texas Mold Assessment Consultant Practice Exam

Which procedure is NOT recommended for cleaning mold on non-porous surfaces?

1. Wet vacuuming

2. Steam cleaning

3. Using a standard vacuum cleaner

4. Damp-wiping with detergent

The correct answer is: Using a standard vacuum cleaner

Using a standard vacuum cleaner is not recommended for cleaning mold on non-porous surfaces because standard vacuums can often recirculate spores back into the air instead of effectively removing them. Mold spores are lightweight, and if disturbed during the cleaning process, they can become airborne. A standard vacuum may not have the necessary filtration to contain these spores, potentially leading to further contamination of the environment. In contrast, methods like wet vacuuming, steam cleaning, and damp-wiping with detergent are more suitable for non-porous surfaces. Wet vacuuming is effective in removing both liquid and mold debris without allowing spores to escape into the air. Steam cleaning uses high temperatures to kill mold spores and can effectively sanitize surfaces. Damp-wiping with detergent helps to physically remove mold while reducing the risk of airborne spores, making it a safer option as well. These methods ensure that mold is not only removed but also that the risk of recontamination is minimized.