What is the difference between hard non-porous surface and soft non-porous surface?

Answer 1

I was curious as to the exact definition of these porous and nonporous because every time I picked up a cleaning supply it would always mention something about whether the product could be used on one or how to treat the area differently depending on whether it was one versus the other.

Interestingly enough, a simple Google search proved to be much more mystifying and arduous than I would have ever imagine because there was no straightforward answer and all the links characterizing porous v nonporous surfaces were mostly from scientific journals or .edu sites.

But to be as concise and brief as possible, from what I gathered, there are a wide array of factors and characteristics to consider for any given material to determine porosity but the main gist is:

Porous surfaces are anything that can be penetrated into beyond its outer surface due to either small or narrow spaces which allows absorption, low density, etc. It is porous, or not impermiable. Water, or any other liquid can pass through, for example.

Nonporous surfaces on the other hand tend to be thick, dense, and solid do that nothing can permeate it beyond its outer-most surface.

Examples of porous and nonporous materials:

Porous:

fabrics, unvarnished (unfinished) woods, cotton, carpeting, and unsealed tiles (depends on tile type but most need laminate)

Nonporous:

solid plastics, metal objects (stainless steel, aluminum, chrome, etc), glass of all forms, ceramic surfaces like dishes etc, varnished wood, laminate counters, granite, and vinyl

Answer 2

Hard non-porous surfaces are rigid and do not allow liquids or gases to pass through, such as glass or metal. Soft non-porous surfaces are flexible but still do not allow liquids or gases to pass through, like plastic or leather. Both types of surfaces are easy to clean and maintain.