How Much Does Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost in 2025?

Dryer Vent Cleaning Cost Factors

Factors that influence how much professional dryer duct cleaning costs include the location of the dryer vent, its length, and whether you need any additional services at the same time. 

Location of Vent

Easily accessible dryer vents are less expensive to clean than vents that are more difficult to reach, like rooftop vents. This is in line with how much dryer installation costs, depending on its location. Dryers installed far from an exterior wall often require more frequent cleaning, as they have longer ducts.

Basement

Dryer vents located in the basement will likely cost between $80 and $150 to clean.

First Floor

Priced similarly to basement dryer vent cleaning, professionally cleaning the vents of your first-floor dryer costs between $80 and $150.

Second Floor

Given the less accessible location, the price jumps a bit for a second-floor dryer vent cleaning. In most cases, second-floor dryer duct cleaning costs between $110 and $185.

Roof

Dryer vent cleaning companies in your area may charge $130 to $200 to clean and inspect rooftop vents and side vents. Rooftop dryer vents are more likely to develop clogs from debris accumulation and damage from harsh weather conditions, increasing the likelihood of additional charges. 

Vent Type

The type of dryer vent can influence cleaning costs depending on material, configuration, and accessibility. Rigid metal vents are typically the most affordable to clean because they require the least labor.

The cost of cleaning flexible plastic or foil dryer vents can be higher because they tend to trap lint in small cracks and crevices. Long, winding, or wall-mounted vents may demand more time and specialized equipment, further driving up professional service rates. 

Vent Length

Shorter dryer vents are the most economical to service, as they may require minimal time and effort. However, as dryer duct length increases, so does the complexity of the cleaning service. Longer vents require more labor, thorough inspection, and the possible need for specialized equipment. Multiple bends and turns can further increase the price, as contractors must spend more time accessing and thoroughly cleaning the entire dryer duct system. 

Obstructions and Debris

Obstructions of any kind, like excessive build-up of lint or a bird’s nest, increase your dryer vent cleaning cost, likely between $120 and $250. A particularly clogged dryer duct with more debris takes longer and requires more effort to clean than one with less debris to clear. 

Labor

Most of what you’ll pay for a professional to clean your dryer are the labor costs. The cost of labor varies depending on whether you hire a professional company or individual contractor and whether they charge an hourly or flat rate. Occasionally, two contractors are needed to handle more complex vent cleanings, such as those on the roof or very long vents.

Some cleaners may offer package deals if you combine dryer vent cleaning with other services, such as air duct cleaning, or if you sign up for regular yearly maintenance.

New Ducting or Venting

You may choose to invest in dryer vent installation costs to reduce future cleaning expenses for rooftop vents or to replace old ductwork with excessive wear and tear. These projects range from $80 to $1,000 in total, depending on placement, material quality, and the difficulty of installation. 

Additional Repairs

If your dryer vent is damaged, expect to pay an HVAC professional $75 to $150 to fix it, depending on the problem. Damaged ductwork may also indicate other issues that need addressing. Dryer repair costs $100 to $430, averaging about $180 in most cases. Like other appliance repairs, the cost depends on the type of repair and what is required. 

Common Dryer Vent Cleaning Services

Along with the main cost of cleaning dryer vents, you may also choose to bundle related services when hiring a local pro for the job. 

General Cleaning

A general cleaning costs about $100 to $180. After your contractor has located the outside dryer cap and checked for any blockages near the exterior of the vent, such as bird’s nests, they will likely use a tubular vacuum with a brush attached to it to clean and suction out debris. They may also use a snake brush to scrape away and dislodge any clogs or blockages on the vent walls, taking special care to clear out the bends of the vents where debris can lay. 

Wet lint is often the result of an overcrowded machine. It’s difficult to remove and might require the technician to disassemble the vent, clear the clog, and reassemble it again, or replace the vent entirely. This can add to your total labor costs.

Once the outside vent has been cleared and cleaned, the contractor will address the back of the appliance. They will disconnect it before thoroughly cleaning the lint trap. After removing old lint and reconnecting the dryer, they will test it to ensure it functions efficiently and safely. 

Air Duct Cleaning

A thorough air duct cleaning clears all components of your home's forced air system and removes dirt and debris from your HVAC system. The National Air Duct Cleaning Association (NADCA) recommends a full cleaning every three to five years, though completing one more often might be necessary if there are individuals with respiratory issues in your home. An air duct cleaning costs between $270 and $490.

Vent Inspection

A dryer vent inspection costs $30 to $60 on average, depending on the vent location. An inspection ensures the vents work properly and the system is not damaged or restricted. The U.S. Fire Administration and dryer manufacturers advise annual inspections to prevent health and fire risks. Some companies offer free inspections or waive the inspection fee when booking a vent cleaning. 

Vent Rerouting or Installation

Vents installed in less-than-ideal or dangerous locations, such as an attic, garage, or crawl space, should be relocated. On average, having your dryer vents rerouted to a different location or installing new ones costs $200 to $500. 

Bird Guard

Installing a bird guard, which stops critters from building a home in your dryer vent, costs an average of $30 to $100. 

Lint Alert Monitoring

You can place lint alert systems on the back of your dryer to monitor its airflow and temperature. These alarms will alert you if your dryer overheats or accumulates too much lint. Expect to pay between $170 and $250 to install a lint alert alarm.

Disinfectant Fogging

Applying disinfectant fog to your dryer costs between $50 and $100. In this process, a pro sends a solution into the dryer’s air system to reduce bacteria and prevent mold and mildew from growing. Fogging is a supplementary service and should not be used as a replacement for proper vent cleaning. 

Dryer Vent Cleaning vs. Replacement

Dryer vent cleaning is typically the more cost-effective solution to address lint buildup and minor obstructions unless the vent is significantly damaged. Dryer vent replacement may become necessary if the vents show severe damage, have multiple punctures, are made of outdated materials, or show signs of significant structural issues.

A professional inspection can reveal whether a thorough cleaning will suffice or whether it is worth investing in a complete replacement as the safer, more long-term solution. 

Budgeting for Dryer Vent Cleaning

Planning for dryer vent cleaning costs requires careful consideration of important factors to ensure both safety and cost-effectiveness:

• Contact at least three professional dryer vent cleaning services in your area to compare pricing and service levels.

• Consider bundling your dryer duct cleaning with other related home maintenance services, such as chimney cleaning.

• Schedule an annual inspection at least once a year to identify signs of lint buildup before they become a bigger problem.

• Clean the lint trap on your dryer with every load to minimize the likelihood of significant debris buildup.

• Ask providers about discounts on long-term service agreements or maintenance contracts.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.