If your dryer is taking two cycles to dry towels, it’s not just annoying — it can be risky and costly. The U.S. Fire Administration estimates roughly 2,900 home clothes dryer fires each year, causing about $35 million in property loss. Memphis homes are especially prone to lint buildup thanks to humid summers and longer vent runs in newer construction where laundry rooms sit far from exterior walls. If you’re wondering who handles dryer vent cleaning near you in Memphis, you’re in the right place. You’ll get a clear picture of which local pros to call, what a proper cleaning includes, how much it typically costs here, and how to prep your space so the job goes smoothly. I’ll also share the red flags I see on the job — like roof vents with screens — and how to avoid them.
Quick Answer
In Memphis, dryer vent cleaning is handled by dedicated dryer vent specialists, local HVAC contractors, chimney sweep companies, and some appliance repair shops. Search for “dryer vent cleaning” with your neighborhood (Midtown, East Memphis, Bartlett, Cordova, Germantown, Collierville) and check reviews; expect standard pricing around $125–$250 for a single-story exterior vent and more for roof or second-floor runs.
Why This Matters
Clogged dryer vents don’t just waste time — they raise fire risk and drive up utility bills. Lint is highly flammable, and when it accumulates in a long, twisting vent run, the dryer overheats trying to push air through the restriction. Memphis’ humid climate can make lint clump with moisture, turning small obstructions into full blockages.
Real-world example: a Midtown bungalow with a 25-foot vent and two elbows slowed dry times from 45 minutes to over 90. After a thorough cleaning and replacing a crushed flex connector, the dry time returned to 45 minutes and the laundry room stopped feeling like a sauna. Another common Memphis scenario is a roof termination cap with a mesh screen (often installed by roofers). Screens trap lint and are against code for dryer vents, which can push hot, moist air into attics and cause mold and drywall damage.
Beyond safety, clean vents extend dryer life. A hard-working dryer draws 1.8–5 kWh per load; cutting dry time by 25–50% lowers electric costs noticeably. If you have a gas dryer, poor venting can mean carbon monoxide risk. That’s why finding the right local pro matters.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Confirm you need cleaning
Before you call around, check a few signs: You might find dryer vent cleaning brush helpful.
- Run the dryer and look outside — the vent flap should open fully and you should feel strong airflow.
- Track dry time: a normal mixed load should finish in ~40–50 minutes. If it’s 70+ minutes, you likely have restriction.
- Check behind the dryer for a crushed or long, flimsy flex hose. That’s a common choke point.
- If the laundry room feels unusually hot or has a burnt lint smell, schedule service.
Step 2: Choose the right provider
Memphis has dryer vent specialists, HVAC contractors, chimney sweeps, and appliance repair shops that clean vents. Pick someone who focuses on dryer vents or does them regularly. Ask:
- What methods do you use? (Rotary brush/vacuum, air sweep, and full-path access are good signs.)
- Do you go on roofs safely and replace improper roof caps?
- Will you measure airflow or backpressure before/after?
- Are you insured? Any certifications (e.g., NADCA for duct pros, CSIA for sweeps)?
Step 3: Get clear, written pricing
Typical Memphis ranges:
- $125–$200 for straightforward ground-level exterior vents.
- $175–$350 for roof terminations or second-floor laundry rooms.
- Extras: booster fan cleaning, bird nest removal, cap replacement, duct repairs.
Ask what’s included: dryer pull-out/reconnect, interior duct brushing, exterior termination cleaning, before/after photos, and minor connector replacement. You might find dryer vent cleaning kit helpful.
Step 4: Prep the space for a smooth visit
Most appointments take 45–90 minutes. Make it easy for the tech:
- Clear 3–4 feet around the dryer and provide access to the exterior vent or attic.
- Secure pets and make parking available (especially in tight Midtown streets).
- Know your vent path if possible: from dryer to where it exits (photos help).
- If the laundry is stacked, ask if they can safely handle it or if you need to unload in advance.
Step 5: What to expect during and after cleaning
The tech should disconnect the dryer, brush/vacuum the vent from both ends when possible, clean the termination, and replace any crushed or non-code connectors. Good pros measure airflow/backpressure and show you lint removed. You might find dryer lint vacuum attachment helpful.
- Pro tip: Replace plastic or thin foil flex with semi-rigid or rigid metal.
- If you have a roof vent, ask to remove any mesh screens (not allowed on dryer vents) and install a proper damper cap.
- After cleaning, run a test load. The exterior flap should pop open briskly; dry time should drop back to normal.
Expert Insights
Professionals in Memphis see the same issues over and over: long vent runs with multiple elbows, flimsy flex hose crimped behind the dryer, and roof caps with screens. The screen problem is big — screens trap lint, reduce airflow, and violate dryer vent standards. A proper termination has a damper that opens easily without mesh.
Common misconception: cleaning the lint trap is enough. It isn’t. The trap catches only a portion of lint; the rest coats the duct walls. Another misconception: blowing air with a leaf blower works. It often compacts lint at elbows and can detach joints inside walls. A rotary brush with vacuum extraction is safer and more effective.
Numbers that matter: most dryers are happiest with low backpressure (generally under ~0.6 inches of water column) and a vent path under 35 feet equivalent length. If you’re near the limit, every extra elbow counts. Ask your tech to replace crushed connectors with semi-rigid or rigid metal and to tape joints with foil tape (not duct tape).
Pro tip: If you have a booster fan, it needs cleaning and a functional pressure switch. And if birds nest in spring (common around Shelby County), consider a code-compliant termination that deters nesting without a lint-catching screen.
Quick Checklist
- Watch the exterior vent while the dryer runs; confirm the flap opens fully and airflow is strong.
- Measure actual dry times for a normal load (target ~40–50 minutes).
- Clear 3–4 feet of space around the dryer and identify the vent path.
- Ask the provider for before/after photos and airflow/backpressure measurements.
- Replace crushed or flimsy flex hose with semi-rigid or rigid metal.
- Have improper roof caps with screens removed and a proper damper cap installed.
- Confirm price includes dryer disconnect/reconnect and full-length brushing.
- Schedule routine cleaning every 12 months (6 months if you dry daily or have long runs).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does dryer vent cleaning cost in Memphis?
Most straightforward ground-level vents run about $125–$200. Roof terminations, second-floor laundry rooms, or complex runs can be $175–$350, especially if repairs or cap replacements are needed. Ask what’s included and get a firm quote before the visit.
How often should I have my dryer vent cleaned?
For average use, once a year is a good baseline. If you do multiple loads daily, have a long vent run, or noticed birds nesting near your vent, every 6 months is safer. After any renovation or roof work, recheck airflow — caps are often changed improperly.
Can I clean the dryer vent myself?
You can brush a short, simple run with a DIY kit, but be careful. Pushing a brush blindly can detach joints in walls or compact lint at elbows. If your vent exits the roof, has multiple turns, or is longer than 15–20 feet, hire a pro with the right gear and safety equipment.
Do cleaners need to move my dryer?
Yes, a proper cleaning typically involves pulling the dryer out to access and clean the connector, then brushing and vacuuming the duct. The tech should reconnect and test airflow afterward. If you have a stacked unit or tight space, mention it when booking so they bring the right tools.
What are the signs of a clogged dryer vent?
Longer dry times, a very hot laundry room, a burnt-lint smell, lint buildup around the exterior cap, or a flap that barely opens are common signs. Clothes that feel hot but still damp at the end of the cycle also point to restricted airflow.
Is a roof dryer vent safe in Memphis storms?
A roof termination can be safe if it’s the correct type (no mesh screen, low-resistance damper) and regularly maintained. Heavy rain and wind can push debris under the cap; combined with humid air, lint can cake faster. If you have a roof vent, annual service is smart.
Will cleaning the vent lower my energy bill?
Usually yes. Electric dryers use roughly 1.8–5 kWh per load; if you cut dry time by 25–50%, you reduce energy use accordingly. You’ll also reduce wear on the heater element and motor, which can extend the dryer’s lifespan.
Conclusion
If you’re in Memphis and your dryer’s slowing down, don’t wait for a burning smell to tell you something’s wrong. Call a dryer vent specialist, HVAC contractor, chimney sweep, or appliance repair shop that regularly handles vents, and ask for full-path cleaning with airflow testing. Prep the space, replace any flimsy connectors, and have improper roof screens removed. After you see the improved airflow and faster dry times, set a reminder for routine service so your dryer stays safe, efficient, and stress-free.
Related: For comprehensive information about Heating and Air, visit our main guide.