How we clean dryer vents.
Dryer vent cleaning removes the lint that builds up in the duct between your dryer and the outside wall. Left alone it restricts airflow, makes the dryer run hot, and is a leading cause of home dryer fires. Four steps, every job:
Inspect the whole run
From the back of the dryer to the hood on the outside wall — and a check that it actually ends outside, not in an attic or crawlspace.
Rotary-brush the vent
A rotary brush system works the full length of the duct, including the long and angled runs that store-bought kits can't reach.
Air-wash and HEPA vacuum
The loosened lint is air-washed out and captured by a truck-mounted HEPA vacuum, so it leaves the house instead of landing in the laundry room.
Test the airflow
A digital anemometer measures the air moving through the vent before we leave — proof the line is clear, not just a promise.
Signs it’s overdue.
Every 6 to 12 months is the rule. Your dryer usually tells you sooner — and failing to clean the vent is one of the leading causes of home dryer fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Clothes take two cycles to dry
Or noticeably longer than they used to.
The dryer is hot to the touch
After a single cycle, or the laundry room feels unusually warm.
You smell burning or mustiness
Around the dryer or the laundry area.
There's lint at the vent opening
Outside at the hood, or behind the dryer.
The house feels humid or dusty
Moist air that can't get out ends up inside.
It's been more than a year
Or six months with pets or a dryer that runs most days.
What it costs.
There’s no flat price: a short vent straight through the wall and a long run with bends through the house aren’t the same job.
Every job includes the full inspection and the airflow test.
Free estimate. The price you’re quoted is the price you pay.
Length of the vent run
A short, straight run clears quickly; a long run with several bends holds more lint and takes longer to clean end to end.
Access
A dryer that pulls out easily and a hood at ground level are quicker than a stacked unit in a closet or a hood high on the wall.
Number of dryers
Each dryer has its own vent run to clean; multi-unit buildings and laundromats are quoted per property.
Vented into the attic?
A dryer that doesn’t vent outside feeds mold.
Keep it clear between visits.
A professional cleaning resets the vent. These habits keep it that way longer.
Five habits
- Clean the lint trap after every load
- Don't overload the dryer
- Use rigid or semi-rigid metal ductAvoid plastic or foil.
- Keep the outside flap clearLeaves, nests and debris block it from the outside.
- Put the next cleaning on the calendar6 to 12 months out.
Before you book.
Longer answers to the questions people ask before they call.
How Often Should Dryer Vent Cleaning Be Done?
Learn how often to clean your dryer vent to stay safe and efficient. Trusted Suffolk County pros — schedule your service with K.O.S. Cleaning today!
Read the guide →
Benefits of Dryer Vent Cleaning
KOS Cleaning offers top rated dryer vent cleaning services on Long Island. Our top rated team delivers a thorough clean to improve safety, and efficiency of your dryer.
Read the guide →
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers on timing, cost and what the job involves.
How often should a dryer vent be cleaned?
Every 6 to 12 months. Once a year is enough for a smaller household; homes with pets or a dryer that runs most days should do it every 6 months.
How long does dryer vent cleaning take?
Most dryer vents are done in under an hour, depending on how long the vent run is and how easy it is to get to.
How much does dryer vent cleaning cost?
It depends on the length of the vent run and how accessible it is. The estimate is free, and the price you're quoted is the price — no hidden fees. The inspection and the airflow test are part of every job.
What happens if you never clean your dryer vent?
Lint builds up and restricts airflow, so the dryer runs hotter and longer to do the same load — higher energy bills, a shorter dryer life, and a real fire risk. The U.S. Fire Administration attributes thousands of house fires a year to clogged dryer vents.
Can't I just use a dryer vent cleaning kit?
For a short, straight vent, a kit helps between visits. They rarely reach the lint packed into long or angled runs, and they can't tell you whether airflow is actually back to normal — that's what the anemometer test is for.
What kind of dryer duct should I have?
Rigid or semi-rigid metal. Plastic and foil ducts should be avoided — replace them if that's what you have.
Do you clean commercial and multi-unit dryer vents?
Yes — apartment buildings, laundromats and multi-unit properties as well as single-family homes.
Get a free dryer vent quote.
Real person · free estimates · no obligation
Call for a quote(631) 560-8999