Only non-porous tools, supplies and equipment can be disinfected.

Only non-porous tools, supplies and equipment can be disinfected.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Sometimes true

Answer: (A)

Disinfection works best on surfaces that are non-porous because the chemical disinfectant can contact every part of the surface and kill the microbes present. Non-porous materials have solid, smooth surfaces, so the disinfectant can reach and neutralize pathogens effectively. Porous items, on the other hand, have tiny openings, fibers, or pores where moisture and microbes can hide, making it difficult for disinfectants to penetrate and work fully. Because of that, only non-porous tools, supplies, and equipment should be disinfected between clients. Porous items aren’t reliably disinfected; they’re typically disposed of or cleaned and laundered with appropriate methods, or protected with barriers.

Disinfection works best on surfaces that are non-porous because the chemical disinfectant can contact every part of the surface and kill the microbes present. Non-porous materials have solid, smooth surfaces, so the disinfectant can reach and neutralize pathogens effectively. Porous items, on the other hand, have tiny openings, fibers, or pores where moisture and microbes can hide, making it difficult for disinfectants to penetrate and work fully. Because of that, only non-porous tools, supplies, and equipment should be disinfected between clients. Porous items aren’t reliably disinfected; they’re typically disposed of or cleaned and laundered with appropriate methods, or protected with barriers.