A clogged dryer vent is a fire risk and a slow-drying nuisance, but it is not a job most homeowners can safely do with a shop vac. Here is who handles dryer vents, how to find one near you, and what a real professional cleaning actually looks like.

Who cleans dryer vents?

Dryer vent cleaning is done by a specialized technician, ideally one who is CDET-certified (Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician). A certified pro is trained to clear the full duct run, test airflow, and check the vent against fire-safety code, rather than just brushing the first few feet you can reach. General handymen and some HVAC or chimney companies also offer it, but a dedicated dryer vent specialist does it every day.

Who works on dryer vents beyond cleaning?

The same dryer vent specialist who cleans the duct typically also services it: replacing crushed or flammable transition ducting, fixing a broken exterior vent flap, re-routing an over-long run, and clearing bird or rodent nests from the hood. If a vent is failing airflow tests, cleaning alone will not fix a duct that is kinked, disconnected, or the wrong material, so repair is part of the trade.

Who installs dryer vents?

New dryer vent installation, running a fresh duct from the dryer to a code-compliant exterior hood, is done by dryer vent specialists and by qualified HVAC or general contractors. A correct install uses UL 2158A-rated rigid or semi-rigid metal duct (never flammable foil or vinyl), takes the shortest practical path, and terminates at a proper exterior hood with a working damper. The same certified technician who cleans vents is usually the right person to install one.

Who cleans dryer vents near me?

To find a vent cleaner near you, search for a CDET-certified, licensed, and insured company that services your city, and check that they show recent, specific Google reviews. Favor a local specialist with fixed pricing and a written condition report over a directory listing or a rotating "$99" ad, which is usually a door-opener for on-site upsells. A company that names its certification and its service area is a good sign.

How do professionals clean dryer vents?

A professional cleaning follows a repeatable process rather than a quick brush-and-go:

  • Inspect and test first. The technician checks the dryer connection and the exterior hood and measures airflow so there is a baseline to prove the job worked.
  • Clean the full run. A rotating brush on a flexible rod is driven through the entire duct, paired with a HEPA-filtered vacuum that captures the lint instead of blowing it into your home.
  • Service the ends. They clear the exterior hood, confirm the damper opens and closes, and check that the transition duct behind the dryer is a safe, code-rated material.
  • Verify and document. Airflow is measured again, and a real professional leaves a written before-and-after report, not just a verbal "all done."

How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?

For most households, once a year. Larger families, homes with pets, and longer vent runs should consider every six months. Clean it sooner regardless of the calendar if clothes take more than one cycle to dry, the dryer is hot to the touch, or you notice a burning smell.

Dryer Vent Specialists is a CDET-certified, veteran-owned company serving the San Mateo County Peninsula. We clean, service, and install dryer vents with fixed, transparent pricing, written airflow reports, and a zero-mess guarantee. If you have been searching for someone to clean your dryer vent nearby, that is exactly the standard to measure any company against.