What are the main surface porosity categories in salons and how do they influence disinfection?

• A. Porous surfaces cannot be disinfected.
• B. Nonporous surfaces disinfect readily; porous surfaces are harder to disinfect and may require barrier protection or laundering; always follow product guidelines.
• C. All surfaces can be disinfected with the same method.
• D. Nonporous surfaces are harder to disinfect.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that how a surface is made—its porosity—influences how well a disinfectant works. Nonporous surfaces are smooth and allow the disinfectant to contact all microbes, so they disinfect readily when you follow the product’s directions (clean first, then apply with the correct dwell time). Porous surfaces have tiny gaps and fibers that can shelter microbes, making disinfection less reliable; for these, you often use barrier protections (like disposable covers) or launder fabrics and upholstery after cleaning, always using products that are rated for the surface and following the label guidance. This is why the best answer notes that nonporous surfaces disinfect readily while porous ones are harder to disinfect and may require barriers or laundering, with product guidelines guiding the exact steps.