What you'll need before you start
Cleaning a dryer vent yourself is realistic for a short, straight run that exits through an exterior wall close to the dryer. You'll need a dryer-vent brush kit (flexible rods that connect to a cordless drill), a vacuum with a hose attachment, a screwdriver or nut driver for the hose clamps, and gloves. Work with the dryer powered off — and if you have a gas dryer, shut the gas valve before moving the appliance.
Set aside 45–60 minutes. Most of the lint you remove comes from two places people overlook: the flexible transition hose behind the dryer and the exterior vent hood, where flaps jam and birds nest.
When to stop and call a professional
Call a pro if the vent run is long, has several elbows, travels up through the roof, or you can't reach the exterior termination safely. Persistent long drying times after a DIY cleaning usually mean a blockage deeper in the run or a crushed section you can't see — both need professional rods and an airflow test to resolve.
Tampa Duct Cleaners cleans the full run from the dryer to the exterior, services the termination, and verifies airflow with a velocity gauge for a flat $275. The National Fire Protection Association recommends professional dryer-vent cleaning at least once a year.