Dryer vent cleaning in Exeter
Professional dryer vent cleaning services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£85
Typical Duration
45-60 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Tumble dryer vent pipes cleaned thoroughly to remove dangerous lint buildup. Reduces fire risk and makes your dryer work properly again.
The Fire Hazard In Your Utility Room
Lint is incredibly flammable. Dryers run hot. Blocked vents mean heat and flammable material together in an enclosed space.
Every year there are house fires caused by dryer vents. The really annoying bit? They're completely preventable with regular cleaning.
💡 Pro tip: If your dryer is taking two cycles to dry one load, or clothes come out damp and hot, your vent is probably badly blocked. That's when fire risk is highest - the dryer is working harder and getting hotter trying to compensate.
Why The Filter Isn't Enough
| What You Clean | What Actually Happens |
|---|---|
| Lint filter after each load | Catches maybe 60-70% of lint |
| Nothing else | Other 30-40% goes into vent pipe |
| Over a year | Thick mat of lint blocks pipe |
| Eventually | No airflow, dryer overheats, fire risk |
The lint that escapes past the filter is the problem. It sticks to the inside of vent pipes and builds up into a solid clog.
What Cleaning Involves
🔧 The Proper Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Disconnect | Pull dryer out, disconnect vent pipe |
| Brush | Specialist vent brush through entire run |
| Vacuum | Remove all loosened lint |
| Check flap | Inspect and clean external vent cover |
| Reconnect | Fit vent pipe securely, check seals |
| Test | Run dryer briefly, check airflow |
📦 You're Left With
- Clean vent with proper airflow
- External flap working freely
- Dryer drying faster
- Major fire hazard removed
Pricing Guide
| Vent Type | Time Needed | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Short run (under 2m) | 45 mins | £60 |
| Standard run (2-4m) | 60 mins | £60-£85 |
| Long/complex run (4m+) | 75+ mins | £85+ |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Assumes normal difficulty access.
Warning Signs You Need This Now
❌ Clothes still damp after full cycle
❌ Takes 2-3 cycles to dry one load
❌ Dryer very hot to touch on outside
❌ Utility room gets steamy when dryer runs
❌ Burning smell when dryer's on
❌ Been over a year since last clean
Why Choose Us for Dryer vent cleaning in Exeter?
Reduce serious fire risk from lint
Dryer works faster and more efficiently
Lower energy bills from better airflow
Extends dryer lifespan
What to Expect
Step 1: Access and Disconnect
Pull dryer forward to access vent connection. Disconnect vent pipe from dryer and from external vent point.
Step 2: Thorough Cleaning
Feed specialist brush through the entire vent run, loosening all lint buildup. Vacuum everything out. Clean the external vent cover and check flap moves freely.
Step 3: Reconnect and Test
Reattach vent pipe securely at both ends. Push dryer back. Run it briefly to check airflow is good. Tidy up all the removed lint.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is definitely DIY-able if you can access the vent:
🔧 Tools needed
- Dryer vent cleaning brush kit (long flexible brush)
- Vacuum cleaner with hose attachment
- Screwdriver (to disconnect vent)
📋 How to do it yourself
- Unplug dryer, pull it forward
- Disconnect flexible vent pipe (usually a jubilee clip)
- Feed brush through pipe from both ends
- Vacuum out all loosened lint
- Go outside, check and clean external vent flap
- Reconnect pipe securely
- Test dryer runs properly
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Only brushing from one end - doesn't get everything
- Not cleaning external flap - stays blocked even with clean pipe
- Poor reconnection - vent leaks into utility room
- Using shop vac on running dryer - fire risk
- Not actually running the brush all the way through
💡 Pro trick: While you've got the dryer pulled out, vacuum the back and underneath too. Lint accumulates there and it's a fire risk. Also check the seals around the drum - worn seals let more lint escape.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⚠️ Fire safety: If you smell burning when your dryer runs, unplug it immediately and get the vent checked. That's lint overheating - basically a fire waiting to happen.
How often? Minimum once a year. Do it more often if:
- You use the dryer daily
- You dry lots of towels or bedding
- You have pets (pet hair creates loads of lint)
Vented vs condenser dryers: Vented dryers have external vent pipes that need this cleaning. Condenser dryers don't vent outside but still have internal lint issues - clean those filters regularly.
External vent covers: These often seize up with lint or rust. They should open when the dryer runs and close when it stops. If the flap won't move, all the lint's going back into your utility room.
Insurance: Some home insurance specifically mentions dryer vent maintenance in the fire prevention terms. Worth checking your policy - regular cleaning might be a condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
How dangerous is lint buildup really?
Very. Lint is highly flammable and dryer vents get hot. Fire brigades deal with dryer fires regularly - they're more common than most people think. If your vent is clogged, hot air can't escape properly and that's when fires start.
How often should I get the vent cleaned?
Once a year minimum if you use your dryer regularly. More often if you dry lots of towels or fluffy items that create more lint. If your dryer is taking longer to dry clothes, that's a sign the vent needs cleaning now.
Can't I just clean the lint filter?
The filter only catches some of the lint. Loads still escapes into the vent pipe. Over time it builds up into a thick mat that blocks airflow. You need to physically clean the whole vent run, not just the filter.
Will this make my dryer faster?
Usually yes - blocked vents mean poor airflow, which means longer drying times. Once clean, hot air can escape properly and clothes dry faster. You'll notice the difference immediately.
How do you clean it?
I disconnect the vent, use specialist brushes to remove lint from the pipe, vacuum it clean, check the external vent flap isn't blocked, and reconnect everything properly. The vent pipe needs physically cleaning - can't just vacuum from one end.
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