Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) Certification Practice Test

What is the minimum requirement for cleaning carpet after a Category 2 water loss?

1. Surface cleaning only

2. Hot water extraction

3. Drying with air circulation

4. Replacement of the carpet

The correct answer is: Hot water extraction

The minimum requirement for cleaning carpet after a Category 2 water loss is hot water extraction. Category 2 water loss refers to water that is contaminated and could cause illness or discomfort if ingested, such as from washing machine overflows or toilet spills (excluding feces). In such cases, it is crucial to use a thorough cleaning method that not only removes visible dirt but also sanitizes the material to eliminate microorganisms. Hot water extraction is effective as it uses hot water mixed with cleaning agents and is combined with high suction to remove both dirt and contaminants effectively. This method promotes both cleaning and disinfection, ensuring that any harmful pathogens present in the carpet fibers are adequately addressed. Surface cleaning alone would typically not penetrate deep enough to deal with contaminants embedded in the carpet. Drying with air circulation, while necessary after water extraction, does not in itself clean the carpet. Replacement may be necessary in severe circumstances, but it is not considered the minimum requirement for a Category 2 incident, as cleaning is the primary step before considering replacement options. Thus, hot water extraction stands out as the essential approach to properly restore the carpet after exposure to Category 2 water.