A dryer vent helps get rid of the heat from the machine and helps keep the air in your laundry room moisture-free. When the vent is clogged, it can affect the functioning of the machine. A poorly maintained dryer, filled with lint and dust, can overheat, becoming a fire hazard. Each year, 2,900 dryer-related residential fires are caused by clogged vents, making it crucial to keep them clean. 

How to clean dryer vents?

Disconnect the dryer:  The first thing to do before cleaning a vent is to unplug the dryer and if it is a gas-powered dryer, turn off the supply valve. Then locate the vent, which should be connected to the dryer via pipes. Remove any metal clamps or tapes that attach the pipes to the exhaust and pull the pipes from the duct. Be gentle throughout the process, as excessive force can damage the pipes.
Remove the lint:  Open the vent and take a look inside to check for debris, dust, and lint. Use a vacuum cleaner to extract lint or other debris inside the hole. You can also use a handheld vacuum to repeat the process for the outer section of the vent, or you can clean it manually. If the vent is too long for a vacuum to reach, you should purchase or rent a dryer vent cleaning kit that comes with a flexible brush to scrub the interior of the vent.
Inspect:  Once you have brushed off the dirt and debris, inspect all portions of the vent to check for any residue. This will help rule out the possibility of vent failures in the future.
Reconnect:  After the cleaning is complete, attach the pipes to the duct to seal the vent again. When all the parts have been put back correctly, you can start using the dryer and see if there is a difference in the sound. You may be able to tell if proper airflow has been restored.

Tips for finding cleaning companies
You can find a number of professionals by looking up “dryer vent cleaning near me.” Use the results to shortlist top dryer vent cleaning services and follow these tips to pick a good company:

Go for flat-rate pricing:  Professionals vent cleaners can offer flat rates or variable service quotes; flat rates can help you avoid overspending or incurring surprise charges later on. Comparing the rates for various companies will help you identify the best professional for the job. At the same time, look for the kind of services offered at flat rates.
Check estimated completion time:  When asking companies about the services, you should also check how long the cleaning process can take. Typical vent cleaning for standard home dryers can take about an hour. However, the duration for apartment complexes, multi-dryer homes, and big properties can be longer. Go for a company that can promise job completion in a reasonable amount of time.
Get equipment details:  When you look for a vent cleaning service, check with the company about the kind of equipment they use. Professional technicians use combinations of snake vacuum and lint brush to remove debris. Some companies can offer vent cameras and other high-end equipment as part of their professional cleaning kit. Established experts are unlikely to use vacuum cleaners for their services.
Check for liability insurance:  A reliable service provider should have business liability insurance to protect the customer’s personal belongings as well as the company itself. The cover is essential in case of damages during cleaning. The insurance covers legal and medical costs for technicians if they are injured on the job.
Go for licensed and experienced technicians:  A reputable company has typically been in the business for a few years and will have experienced and trained employees. You should check if the employees and the company is licensed before handing them the contract.
Ensure full lint removal service:  Technicians must ensure complete lint removal, including the lint that falls on the floor while cleaning the vent. You can ask them beforehand if they follow this procedure. If a technician leaves a mess behind in your laundry room, you can notify the company.

Dryer vent cleaning cost
A routine dryer vent cleaning may cost anywhere between $80 and $185. Roof dryer cleaning may cost $150–$250. A dryer duct cleansing with bird nest removal services may cost you $120–$250. A higher-end job can cost about $300 or more when the dryer is placed farther away from the exterior wall. If you are looking for an inspection from a professional, it may cost about $30–$60. However, these prices can vary depending on the extent of cleaning required and additional costs due to unforeseen circumstances.