What Happens During a Professional Dryer Vent Cleaning (Step by Step)

If you've never had it done, here is the whole appointment, start to finish. Wall vents take about 45–60 minutes; roof vents 60–90.

1. Arrival and walk-through (5 min)

We confirm where the vent exits, look at the laundry setup, and lay a drop cloth behind the dryer. For roof vents we pick a ladder spot.

2. Baseline airflow reading (2 min)

We run the dryer and measure exhaust velocity at the cap with an anemometer. Restricted vents often read under 500 feet per minute; a clean 4-inch vent reads roughly 1,200–1,800. This goes on your receipt.

3. Disconnect and inspect the transition hose (5 min)

We slide the dryer out, disconnect the hose and check it for crushing, lint and material. Foil or vinyl gets flagged; we offer semi-rigid aluminum as a $39 replacement.

4. Rotary brush and vacuum (20–40 min)

A HEPA vacuum attaches to the duct at the dryer end. Flexible rods with a nylon brush are fed the full length of the duct, spinning to scrub the walls while the vacuum captures everything. We work in stages, pulling back to clear the brush, and reverse direction for stubborn plugs.

5. Exterior cap (10 min)

At the wall or on the roof, we remove matted lint, pull any screen, remove nests, and make sure the damper swings freely. We photograph the cap before and after.

6. Reconnect and seal (5 min)

Hose reconnected with foil tape and a clamp, dryer slid back with the hose uncrushed.

7. Final airflow test and show-and-tell (5 min)

We run the dryer again and take the after reading. Then we show you the lint, usually one to three gallons, and point out anything you should know about: flex duct, a long run, a cap that should be replaced.

8. Payment and receipt

Pay by card, cash, Zelle or Venmo. Your emailed receipt includes both airflow numbers and the cap photos. Book your appointment.