Which factor makes porous surfaces harder to disinfect?

• A. They absorb water and are easily dried.
• B. They can be disinfected as easily as nonporous surfaces.
• C. All surfaces can be disinfected equally.
• D. They are harder to disinfect and may require barrier protection or laundering.

Answer: (D)

Porous surfaces pose a disinfection challenge because their tiny openings and fibers trap dirt, moisture, and microorganisms, preventing disinfectants from penetrating evenly. Germs can hide inside the pores or in the interstices, so a surface-only treatment may not reach all of them. Because of this, these items often require barrier protection or laundering to ensure they’re clean, rather than relying on a disinfectant wipe or spray alone. The other statements imply that disinfection is just as easy or equally effective on all surfaces, which isn’t true because porosity reduces the reach and efficacy of disinfectants.