What does 'porous' refer to in materials?

The term 'porous' refers to materials that are absorbent and possess numerous tiny openings or pores. These characteristics allow the material to absorb liquids and gases, which can impact how it interacts with cleaning agents and disinfectants. For instance, in sanitation practices, porous materials, such as wood or fabric, can retain moisture and contaminants more easily than non-porous materials, which can make them more challenging to disinfect effectively.

Furthermore, understanding the porous nature of certain materials is crucial for proper sanitation protocols, as it helps determine the effectiveness of disinfectants used on those surfaces. In contrast, a glossy finish, being made of plastic, or having no openings at all describes different material characteristics but does not convey the absorbent and open nature essential to the definition of 'porous.'