Dryer vent questions, answered
Short answers to what people ask first. Cannot find yours? Call or use the form and the answer comes by phone.
About the vent
How often does a dryer vent need cleaning?
It varies with how many loads you dry and how long and bendy the vent is. A yearly cleaning is a reasonable place to start, and a busy household or a long run may need one sooner.
What happens if the vent is never cleaned?
Lint keeps narrowing the duct, so every load needs longer and the dryer works hotter, while the lint itself can catch fire. A cleaning takes it out before it becomes a problem.
Does emptying the lint trap do the job?
Not on its own. The trap stops only part of the lint; the rest settles in the duct and behind the hood flap. Emptying it after each load is worth doing, though it cannot stand in for cleaning the vent.
Why does my dryer take two cycles?
A load that stays damp usually means the moist air is not leaving. Lint in the duct, a crushed section, a long run or a blocked hood can all cause it, and an inspection tells you which.
Is a flexible foil duct a problem?
It can be. Its ridges hold lint and it crushes easily behind a dryer pushed against the wall. Smooth metal duct is the usual choice, and a repair can swap one for the other.
Booking and the visit
What hours can I call?
The office is open 24 hours, every day, and the online form takes requests at any hour. Call (410) 227-8391 or leave your number, and we call back to set a time.
Do you work in apartments and shared laundry rooms?
Yes. Houses, condos, apartment buildings, HOAs and shared laundry rooms all have dryer vents. A building can also put its vents on a repeat schedule.
Which places do you cover?
Los Angeles and the places within about 10 miles of 3150 W Olympic Blvd, from West Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Inglewood, Huntington Park and Glendale. The complete list lives on the service area page.
Do I have to be home?
Someone has to give access to the dryer and the laundry room, and the outside hood has to be reachable. Tell us how the vent leaves the building when you call, so the visit can be planned.
About safety
What should I do if I smell burning?
Stop the dryer, unplug it if you can do so safely, and leave the vent alone until it has been looked at. If you see smoke or flames, leave the building and call 911.
Does a gas dryer need extra care?
A blocked exhaust on a gas dryer can push combustion gases into the room, so the vent matters more. If you ever smell gas, leave the room and call your gas company.
Can I clear a bird nest myself?
It is better not to. A stick pushed up the pipe drives the nest deeper, and some wild birds and their active nests are protected by law. Call and describe what you see.
Request a cleaning
Describe what you have noticed and leave your number. A call back sets the time.