If your laundry takes two cycles to dry or the top of your dryer feels hotter than usual, there’s a good chance the vent is choked with lint. Nationwide, an estimated 2,900 home dryer fires happen each year, and long, winding vent runs—common in Seattle condos and older houses—can make buildup worse. Beyond safety, clogged vents waste money: a restricted vent can add 20–30% to drying time and energy use. Seattle’s rainy climate adds another twist: damp lint cakes inside the duct, birds nest in vents every spring, and roof exits can be a pain to reach without the right gear. You’ll learn who handles dryer vent cleaning in Seattle, what a solid service looks like, how to vet a company, and what to do before and after they arrive so you don’t end up with the same problem in six months. This is practical, boots-on-the-ground advice I use with homeowners and property managers across the city.
Quick Answer
In Seattle, dryer vent cleaning is typically handled by specialized dryer vent companies, air duct/HVAC cleaners, and chimney sweeps that offer vent services. Examples you’ll see around the city include Alpine Specialty Cleaning, DuctVac Northwest, Vent Masters Seattle, Four Seasons Chimney & Dryer Vent, Pristine Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning, and Emerald City Chimney; expect standard single-family jobs to run about $150–300 depending on access and vent length.
Why This Matters
Dryer vents do more than blow warm air outside—they carry lint, moisture, and sometimes combustion byproducts (for gas dryers). When that pathway clogs, heat and humidity spike inside the machine and laundry area. In real terms, that means longer dry times, higher electric or gas bills, and a much higher risk of lint igniting. Seattle’s mix of older homes with quirky vent runs, roof-level terminations, and multi-unit condos translates to ducts that are longer and more complex than average.
Consider a Capitol Hill condo with a 28-foot vent run and three 90-degree elbows. Even with weekly lint trap cleaning, a restriction at the second elbow can cut airflow by half. The dryer runs hotter, the laundry room feels steamy, and moisture sneaks into drywall seams. Or a Ballard bungalow with a roof hood: in March, starlings can build a nest behind the damper in days, blocking the vent entirely. The consequences aren’t abstract: wasted time, higher utilities, premature dryer wear, and the very real fire hazard of a superheated lint channel. A proper clean restores airflow, reduces risk, and keeps your machine efficient.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Identify your setup and constraints
Note the dryer type (gas or electric), vent exit location (side wall, roof, or soffit), and estimated run length. Count elbows: each 90-degree elbow is roughly equal to 5 feet of straight duct in airflow impact. Long runs over about 35 feet (equivalent length) may need a booster fan and demand a company experienced with multi-story shafts—common in downtown and South Lake Union buildings. You might find dryer vent cleaning brush helpful.
- Condos/apartments: check HOA guidelines and preferred vendors.
- Roof exits: ask about fall protection and roof-safe access methods.
- Pets: expect faster lint and hair buildup; you may need semi-annual service.
Step 2: Shortlist local providers
Look for companies that explicitly list dryer vent cleaning (not just air duct cleaning). In Seattle, common categories are specialized dryer vent firms, HVAC/air duct cleaners, and chimney sweeps. You’ll see names like Alpine Specialty Cleaning, DuctVac Northwest, Vent Masters Seattle, Four Seasons Chimney & Dryer Vent, Pristine Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning, and Emerald City Chimney. Use those as a starting point, then confirm they serve your neighborhood and building type.
- Ask whether they clean from both inside and exterior termination.
- Verify they carry liability insurance and can provide proof.
- Check for experience with your specific scenario (roof hood, HOA high-rise, townhome shared shafts).
Step 3: Vet their process and pricing
Solid crews do more than wave a vacuum at the vent. They should brush the entire run, clear the hood and damper, and measure airflow before and after. For most single-family homes, expect $150–300; roof access, steep pitches, long runs, or severe blockages can push into the $250–400 range. You might find dryer vent cleaning kit helpful.
- Ask for a written quote and scope: inside and outside cleaning, photos, and airflow/temperature readings.
- Confirm they’ll replace damaged transition duct with a UL 2158A-listed product and avoid plastic or thin foil.
- If you have a booster fan, ensure they service and test it.
Step 4: Prep the laundry area
Clear a 3–4 foot workspace around the dryer. If it’s gas, know where the shutoff is in case the tech needs to disconnect. Remove fragile items from the top and surrounding shelves. If you’re in a condo, reserve elevator time and coordinate access with building management.
- Have a large towel or pan handy for any lint fallout.
- Provide parking or loading info for tight streets (Ballard, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne).
Step 5: Confirm results and set a maintenance plan
Before they leave, review before/after photos and airflow numbers. A noticeable drop in dry time—often 20–40%—is common after a thorough clean. Ask for recommendations based on your usage: annually for typical households, every 6 months if you run several loads weekly or have pets. You might find dryer lint vacuum attachment helpful.
- Schedule the next appointment before spring nesting season if you have an exterior hood that attracts birds.
- Consider upgrading the exterior hood to a metal model with a proper damper and bird guard.
Expert Insights
Professionals will tell you most lint accumulates at the first few feet behind the dryer and at elbows—so a quick vacuum from the exterior hood isn’t enough. The right approach is a rotary brush run through the entire duct, backed by vacuum extraction, plus clearing the termination cap and damper. On roof terminations, safe access is non-negotiable: expect fall protection, roof anchors where appropriate, or a high-reach pole system if access is limited.
Common misconceptions: cleaning the lint trap every load prevents clogs (it helps, but the duct still traps lint); or that air duct companies automatically specialize in dryer vents (many do both, but make sure they have the right tools and methods). A pro will measure airflow and sometimes surface temperature at the dryer; a drop from, say, 150°F to 120–130°F exhaust temp after cleaning is a good sign of reduced restriction.
Less obvious tips: use a short, UL 2158A-listed transition duct and avoid plastic or thin foil; keep bends gentle; and ensure the exterior damper swings freely. Seattle’s wet winters can make lint sticky, so annual service is prudent even for light users. If birds are a problem, install a proper guard that doesn’t violate code or choke airflow.
Quick Checklist
- Confirm the company cleans from both the dryer side and the exterior hood.
- Ask for before/after photos and airflow or exhaust temperature readings.
- Verify liability insurance and experience with roof exits or multi-unit buildings.
- Replace the transition duct with a UL 2158A-listed product (no plastic/foil).
- Inspect and free the exterior damper; add a code-compliant bird guard if needed.
- Get a written scope, price, and any access requirements (roof, HOA, parking).
- Schedule routine service: annually for typical use, every 6 months with heavy use or pets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who actually does dryer vent cleaning near me in Seattle?
You’ll find three main groups: specialized dryer vent companies, HVAC/air duct cleaners, and chimney sweeps that offer vent services. In Seattle, examples include Alpine Specialty Cleaning, DuctVac Northwest, Vent Masters Seattle, Four Seasons Chimney & Dryer Vent, Pristine Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning, and Emerald City Chimney. Always confirm current service areas and capabilities for your building type.
How much does dryer vent cleaning cost in Seattle?
Most single-family homes run $150–300 for a thorough brush-and-vac cleaning, inside and out. Roof access, steep pitches, long or complex runs, severe blockages, or booster fan service can push costs to $250–400. Multi-unit buildings often price per unit, and HOAs may have preferred vendor rates.
How often should I get the vent cleaned?
Annual cleaning suits most households. If you do multiple loads weekly, have pets, or live in a building with very long runs and several elbows, consider every 6 months. After major renovations or if you notice longer dry times or musty odors, move your appointment up.
What are the signs my vent is clogged?
Longer dry times, a hot or humid laundry room, and lint around the exterior hood are clear clues. You might also notice the dryer top getting unusually warm, a burnt-dust smell, or the exterior damper barely opening during a cycle. In extreme cases, the dryer may shut off on high-heat safety, or you’ll see error codes.
Can a handyman or I do it myself?
Short, straight runs are DIY-friendly with the right rotary brush kit and a shop vac. However, roof terminations, multi-story shafts, gas dryer connections, or booster fans are better left to pros with safety gear and specialized tools. If you’re unsure of the vent path or have more than two elbows, hire a qualified cleaner.
Is dryer vent cleaning the same as air duct cleaning?
No. Dryer vents carry lint and moisture and usually require rotary brushing, vacuum extraction, and damper clearing. Air ducts for HVAC are larger, branch more, and use different equipment and containment methods. Some companies do both, but make sure they specifically detail their dryer vent process.
What about condos and apartments in Seattle?
Many condo vents run 20–40 feet with multiple elbows or vertical chases, so they clog faster and can be trickier to clean. Coordinate with your HOA for access and approved vendors, and schedule during low-traffic hours for elevators and garage access. Expect the tech to need unit access and sometimes roof or hallway chase access.
Does our rainy climate affect dryer vents?
Yes. Moist air and wet lint can cake inside ducts, reducing airflow more quickly than in dry climates. In spring, birds can nest behind exterior dampers, blocking exhaust completely. Annual service plus a proper metal hood and bird guard keeps things clear and code-compliant.
Conclusion
Dryer vent cleaning in Seattle is handled by specialized vent firms, HVAC cleaners, and chimney sweeps—pick one that brushes the full run, cleans the exterior hood, and documents airflow. Shortlist providers, vet their process and insurance, and prep your laundry area for easy access. After the job, verify results and set a regular schedule based on your usage. A clean, code-compliant vent means faster dry times, lower energy costs, and fewer headaches—plus the peace of mind that comes from reducing a preventable fire risk.
Related: For comprehensive information about Heating and Air, visit our main guide.