Your Dryer Takes Forever to Dry Clothes?
A clogged dryer vent is the most common cause — and it creates a serious fire risk in your home. Over 15,000 dryer fires occur in the US every year.
A Clogged Dryer Vent Is More Dangerous Than You Think
Check how many of these apply to your home:
The Data Is Clear
The National Fire Protection Association reports that failure to clean dryer vents is the leading cause of dryer fires, responsible for 34% of the 15,970 annual home dryer fires. These fires cause an average of 13 deaths, 440 injuries, and $238 million in property damage per year.
Why Your Dryer Vent Gets Clogged
Lint Buildup Over Time
Your lint trap catches about 75% of lint. The remaining 25% passes through and accumulates inside the dryer vent duct over months and years. In DMV townhouses with 20-40 foot vent runs, lint buildup is especially problematic because the long distance and multiple turns slow airflow.
Crushed or Kinked Vent Hose
Many DMV homes have dryers pushed tight against the wall, crushing the flexible transition hose. This restriction traps lint at the kink point. Semi-rigid or rigid metal transitions eliminate this problem.
Bird Nests and Pest Blockages
Exterior vent hoods are warm, sheltered entry points for birds, mice, and wasps. A single bird nest can completely block airflow. We find pest blockages in about 10% of dryer vent cleanings in the DMV.
Long Vent Runs with Multiple Turns
Building code limits dryer vent runs to 35 feet with deductions for each elbow. Many DMV townhouses and colonial homes exceed this limit, making proper airflow difficult and lint accumulation inevitable without regular cleaning.
How We Restore Full Dryer Performance
Our professional process addresses the root cause — not just the symptoms.
Exterior Hood Inspection
We check the exterior vent termination for blockages, pest nests, and proper flapper operation. A blocked or missing hood is a common problem in DMV homes.
Full-Length Vent Cleaning
Using rotating brush systems and high-powered vacuum, we clean the entire vent run from dryer to exterior — removing compacted lint, debris, and any obstructions.
Transition Hose Inspection
We check the flexible transition behind the dryer. If it is crushed, kinked, or made of vinyl (a fire hazard), we recommend replacement with UL-listed semi-rigid aluminum.
Airflow Verification
After cleaning, we measure airflow at the exterior hood to verify full performance is restored. You should feel strong airflow at the outside vent.

"They showed me the camera footage of what was in our ducts. I couldn't believe it. The difference after cleaning was immediate."
— Jennifer K., Capitol Hill DC
$89-$199
Standard dryer vent cleaning. Longer runs, rooftop terminations, or bird nest removal may cost more. This service pays for itself in energy savings within 6-12 months.
What You Can Expect
Frequently Asked Questions
At least once per year, or every 6 months for high-use households (families with kids, frequent laundry). DMV townhouses with long vent runs should clean annually without exception. Signs like extended drying times mean you should not wait for your regular schedule — call immediately.
Don't Live With This Problem Another Day
Our licensed and insured technicians can diagnose and solve the problem — usually in a single visit. Free inspection, no obligation.