What type of materials are most likely to absorb and hold odors?

Porous materials are indeed the most likely to absorb and hold odors due to their ability to trap particles and molecules within their structure. When substances such as food, smoke, or biological materials come into contact with porous materials, they can penetrate into the tiny holes or spaces within these materials. This leads to the absorption of odor-causing compounds, which can remain trapped even after surface cleaning.

On the other hand, sealed surfaces, plastic fixtures, and metal surfaces typically have smooth textures that do not provide the same level of absorption. Sealed surfaces have a coating that prevents the absorption of liquids and odors, while plastics and metals are non-porous and tend to repel odor-causing particles. Therefore, it's the inherent characteristics of porous materials that make them particularly susceptible to retaining odors over time.