Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Service Details

 Step by Step Dryer Vent Cleaning process:

 

  1. The dryer vent cleaning specialist inspects the dryer and vent from entrance to exit, and answers any questions or concerns.
  2. Starting at the exterior end, dryer vent cleaning begins with clearing any obstruction, such as buildup on the screen or flap.
  3. For long vents, an aggressive brush at the end of a steel whip is used to push through any clogs, while a powerful vacuum sucks out the lint & debris as it is worked loose.
  4. Once the vent is clean, the specialist cleans all the lint around the interior vent and the dryer itself.
  5. Finally, the technician runs the dryer, and checks the exit to make sure airflow is strong and unobstructed.
A collage of a clogged dryer vent, dryer, and Portland Oregon house on fire

Dryer Vent Cleaning, Is the Threat of Fire Real? Absolutely!

Dryer vent cleaning is not a “sales gimmick”. Lint buildup at the very least will make your clothes take longer to dry. At worst it can be a very real fire hazard. Each year over 15,000 house fires start in the laundry room, with most being caused by lint build up in the dryer or dryer vent.

Dryer vent cleaning is not technically difficult and, on direct vent applications (where the dryer vent goes directly through an exterior wall to a flapper), can be done with a normal shop vac and some clean rags. Longer dryer vents can be challenging, and virtually impossible with out the correct tools. There are a few methods, but we prefer a steel whip with an aggressive brush at the end to push through any clogs.

With either method, we use a powerful vacuum to suction out the lint and debris after it is worked loose. And care is taken not to damage the duct inside walls and other inaccessible locations.

At J & M Services, we offer low rates. However, it’s important to note that our pricing structure includes drive time, fuel, and set up time. The good news here is that you can get a substantial discount on the total cost for services if we combine air duct cleaning and dryer vent cleaning in the same visit. In this case, drive time and fuel costs are naturally cut in half, compared to performing the tasks in two separate visits. And Setup costs for us to clean a direct vent dryer is very minimal if we are already at your home.

Additionally, as a part of our dryer vent cleaning process, we clean all the lint around the vent and around the actual clothes dryer as well. So many homeowners find this is an outstanding value.

 

A shiny duct having just been cleaned by an air duct cleaning brush in Portland Oregon
J and M Services newest member Ryan poses in front of Portland Oregon Air Duct Cleaning Van
Portland Oregon air duct cleaning technician Mike Birchard from J and M Services

Dryer Vent Cleaning Most Common Questions & Concerns

Help Your Dryer Be More efficient
  • It may seem like common sense, but just cleaning the lint screen in your dryer door is actually very important. You should do it every time. It not only helps clothes dry faster, but reduces lint buildup in your vent as well, allowing your dryer to work more efficiently.
How Often Should I get a Dryer Vent cleaning?
  • There is no set time frame, although if asked we recommend at least annually. Your best bet to ensure your dryer vent is working properly and safely, is to have us perform a dryer vent cleaning. Then with the dryer running, check the airflow at the exterior flapper. Make a note of how strong the airflow feels. Check your airflow every other month or so. If the airflow feels weak or becomes reduced, it’s time to have your dryer vent cleaned again.
How Much Does It Cost For A Dryer vent Cleaning?
  • Dryer vent cleaning is not typically a time consuming process for us, so you may be surprised how little it costs. Because the amount of labor depends on the particular setup you have, we can’t quote you a price here. So please give us a call, and we’ll be happy to provide pricing information – Call (503) 680-0195.