If your dryer feels hotter than usual or shirts come out damp on the second cycle, it’s rarely the appliance—it’s the vent. National fire data shows about 2,900 home clothes dryer fires each year, causing roughly $35 million in property loss. In Detroit, where many older homes have long vent runs and winter ice can choke exterior hoods, lint buildup happens faster than people think. This matters for more than convenience: a choked vent makes the dryer work harder, wastes energy, and can become a real fire hazard. You’ll see who actually does dryer vent cleaning near you in the Detroit area, how to vet them, what a proper cleaning includes, and what to expect in terms of cost and timing. If you’ve got a stacked unit in Midtown, a basement dryer in Corktown, or a second-story laundry in Grosse Pointe, there are practical steps to get this handled safely and efficiently.
Quick Answer
In Detroit, dryer vent cleaning is typically handled by HVAC companies, chimney sweeps, air duct cleaning contractors, and dedicated dryer vent specialists that service the city and the metro suburbs. Expect $99–$195 for a straightforward single-story run; ask for rotary-brush cleaning plus an airflow or back-pressure test to confirm the vent is actually clear.
Why This Matters
Clothes dryers move a surprising amount of air—often 200+ cubic feet per minute. When lint accumulates in the vent, that airflow drops, drying time stretches, and heat builds in the wrong place. That’s the recipe behind thousands of dryer-related fires across the U.S. each year. In Detroit, many homes have long runs that snake through basements and up walls, plus cold winters where exterior hoods ice over. It’s a setup that traps lint and stresses motors.
Beyond safety, clogged vents cost money. A dryer struggling against back-pressure can add 20–30 minutes per load. If you do five loads a week, that’s 8–10 extra hours of runtime per month—more wear on the heater and bearings, and higher gas or electric bills. I’ve seen otherwise healthy dryers replaced prematurely because the vent was the real culprit. A professional cleaning restores airflow, reduces drying time, and lowers operating temperature—simple fixes with a big payoff.
Bottom line: Clean vents protect your home, save energy, and keep your dryer from dying young. In an older housing stock like Detroit’s, it’s not optional—it’s maintenance you schedule like clockwork.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Identify the right type of provider
In Detroit, four groups commonly do dryer vent cleaning: HVAC companies, chimney sweeps, air duct cleaning contractors, and dedicated dryer vent specialists. Look for those that mention rotary-brush cleaning for dryer vents, not just “duct cleaning.” If you’re in a condo or high-rise, confirm they service multi-unit buildings and can access roof or exterior elevations safely. You might find dryer vent cleaning brush helpful.
- Use precise search terms: “dryer vent cleaning Detroit,” “chimney sweep dryer vent,” “air duct cleaning dryer vent.”
- Check that they service your neighborhood (Midtown, Corktown, East English Village, Downriver, Macomb, Oakland County).
Step 2: Vet credentials and methods
Ask what tools they use and how they verify results. A good provider uses a rotary brush with flexible rods, an external hood cleaning, and an airflow or back-pressure test when finished. NADCA membership is a plus for duct cleaners; for vents, experience and testing matter most.
- Confirm they work with rigid metal venting (4-inch) and know code limits (typically 35 ft equivalent length, with each 90° elbow counting ~5 ft).
- Ask whether they can replace unsafe foil or plastic flex with rigid metal if needed.
- Avoid anyone who only vacuums at the lint screen or blows air without brushing; that leaves packed lint behind elbows.
Step 3: Get an exact quote and scope
Prices in Detroit for a single-story, straightforward run usually land between $99 and $195. Extra charges apply for second-story runs, roof terminations, bird nest removal, booster fan service, or hard-to-reach vents.
- Request a written scope: interior brush cleaning, exterior hood cleaning, blockage removal, and final airflow or pressure test.
- Ask about add-ons: transition hose replacement, pest guard installation, or roof access fees.
- Clarify scheduling; winter appointments may include de-icing the exterior hood.
Step 4: Prepare the laundry area
Make the tech’s life easier to shorten the visit. Clear a 3–4 ft workspace around the dryer. If the dryer is gas, know where the shutoff valve is. If it’s stacked, ask whether they’ll disconnect and tip the unit or use specialized rods through the transition hose. You might find dryer vent cleaning kit helpful.
- Move hampers and detergents off the floor.
- Check the transition hose behind the dryer; if it’s crushed, mention it so they can replace it with a short, smooth metal connector.
- Secure pets—brushes and vacuums get loud.
Step 5: During the service, watch for red flags
Professionals protect floors, brush the entire run from one or both ends, and clean the exterior hood. They’ll show lint removed and perform a final airflow or pressure test. If they discover foil or plastic venting inside walls, they should explain options to update to metal for safety.
- Ask for the measured back-pressure (in inches of water column) or an airflow reading; the tech should explain whether the results are within spec.
- If they find a nest or damper stuck, they should remove or replace the hood, not just brush around it.
Step 6: Aftercare and prevention
Schedule annual cleaning for average use; every 6–9 months if you have a long run, lots of family laundry, or a rental. Replace crushed transition hoses with short, rigid metal sections. Step outside each month and check the vent hood—make sure the damper opens freely and no lint mats or ice are blocking it. You might find dryer lint vacuum attachment helpful.
- Clean the lint screen every load; wash it with warm water and a drop of dish soap quarterly to remove fabric softener film.
- If dry times creep up again, don’t jump to replacing the dryer—retest the vent first.
Expert Insights
Most homeowners assume slow drying means the heating element is failing. In my experience, eight out of ten times the vent is the bottleneck, not the dryer. Detroit’s older homes often route vents across basements, then up and out, with multiple elbows—those elbows are lint magnets. Each 90-degree bend adds roughly five feet of equivalent length; two bends can turn a 20-foot run into a 30-foot “load” on the fan.
Another misconception: a shop vac at the lint trap fixes it. It doesn’t. Lint compresses into elbows and seams; you need rotary brushes that agitate and pull, plus an exterior hood cleaning so the damper isn’t stuck. Pro tip: have the tech measure back-pressure after cleaning. A reading under about 0.6 inches of water column (varies by dryer model) and strong exterior airflow indicates you’re in the clear.
For roof terminations—common in townhomes—winter wind and ice can wedge dampers shut. A pest guard with a low-resistance design solves bird nest problems but avoid tight mesh screens that trap lint. If your run exceeds code length, consider a listed booster fan and make sure the cleaner knows how to service its lint screen. In multi-unit buildings, coordinate with management; repeated dryer failures on one stack often trace back to a shared vent obstruction.
Quick Checklist
- Confirm the provider offers rotary-brush cleaning and an airflow or pressure test.
- Ask for a written scope including exterior hood cleaning and blockage removal.
- Clear 3–4 feet around the dryer for safe access before the appointment.
- Replace crushed or foil transition hoses with short, rigid metal connectors.
- Verify the vent material is 4-inch smooth metal, not plastic or thin foil.
- Count elbows to estimate equivalent length and discuss with the tech.
- Check the exterior hood monthly for lint mats, stuck dampers, or ice.
- Schedule annual cleanings; increase frequency for long runs or heavy use.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does dryer vent cleaning cost in Detroit?
For a single-story, straightforward run, expect $99–$195. Prices rise for second-story runs, roof terminations, bird nest removal, booster fan service, or difficult access. Ask for a fixed quote that includes brushing, exterior hood cleaning, and a final airflow or back-pressure test.
How often should I schedule dryer vent cleaning?
Annually is a solid baseline for most households. If you have a long vent with multiple elbows, do heavy laundry (large family or short-term rentals), or notice dry times creeping up, schedule every 6–9 months. After remodeling or replacing the dryer, recheck the vent to confirm nothing got kinked.
What are the signs my vent is clogged?
Clothes take longer to dry, the dryer or laundry room feels unusually hot, and the exterior hood barely opens or has lint mats around it. You may also smell a humid, hot odor or notice the dryer shutting off on high-heat cycles. If towels still feel damp after a full cycle, that’s a classic warning.
Can I clean the dryer vent myself?
Short, straight runs are DIY-friendly with a rotary brush kit. Once you have multiple elbows, a second-story run, or a roof termination, pros do better because they can brush from both ends, handle obstructions, and verify with airflow testing. DIY often misses packed lint in elbows, leaving the hazard in place.
How long does a professional cleaning take?
Most appointments run 45–90 minutes. Complex runs, roof access, or nest removal can push it past two hours. If the tech changes the transition hose or repairs the exterior hood, add a bit more time. A quick job with no testing is a red flag—verification is part of a proper service.
Is winter a bad time to clean a dryer vent in Detroit?
Winter is actually a smart time because ice can jam the exterior damper, and dry indoor air creates extra lint. Pros carry de-icing methods and can clear frozen hoods safely. Just ask about travel or weather fees and make sure they’ll test airflow after clearing any ice buildup.
I live in a condo/high-rise—who should I call?
Look for contractors who explicitly service multi-unit buildings and can coordinate with property management. Shared vertical vents and roof terminations require special access and safety protocols. Ask if they’ve handled your building type before and whether they’ll document airflow results for the association.
Conclusion
Dryer vent cleaning in Detroit isn’t hard to arrange once you know who to call and what a proper service looks like. Focus on providers that use rotary brushes, clean the exterior hood, and verify airflow. Get a clear, written scope and prepare the laundry area so the visit goes smoothly. If you’ve noticed longer dry times, heat buildup, or minimal airflow at the exterior vent, don’t wait—schedule a cleaning and set an annual reminder. A clear vent protects your home, saves energy, and keeps your dryer running like it should.
Related: For comprehensive information about Heating and Air, visit our main guide.