James McNeil, Owner: The Specialists

6009 Auburn Boulevard, Suite 150, Citrus Heights, 916-348-7018, thecarpetspecialists.com

There are significant health benefits to maintaining clean carpets, especially in homes with young children. Homeowners must remember that this type of flooring is like a sponge; it will collect a variety of soils over time and hold them deep within the fibers until removed. With every step, a homeowner agitates the fibers and kicks loose soil into the air. Pet dander, dust, food particles, chemical residue, and microorganisms are some of the soils that can be dispersed this way, and they all represent a breathing risk. It’s one of the principle reasons why air quality inside homes is consistently worse than the air surrounding the building. A specialist who has been certified through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) will be equipped for nearly any residential and commercial job, since the IICRC provides professionals with the most up-to-date practices and knowledge relevant to the industry. While attaining certification, technicians are also introduced to the best equipment available, so most IICRC-certified firms have cutting-edge technology and methods on their side.