Apply for a business license to legally operate a dryer vent cleaning business in your area. /Getty Images Clean clothes dryer vents lower energy costs, reduce the risk of lint fires and help lengthen the lifespan of clothes dryers. After obtaining the proper training in dryer vent cleaning, you may want to start your own dryer vent cleaning business. Provide this service to residential and commercial clients to increase sales and build a solid reputation in your community. Hire employees to increase the number of clients your business can service each day. 1. Register your dryer vent cleaning business with the state's secretary of state's office in your state. Apply for a business license through your local small business administration office or county clerk's office. Apply for an Employer Identification Number through the Internal Revenue Service to use on business documents, to open business banking accounts, and on state and federal tax forms. Contact a licensed insurance provider to purchase business insurance, such as general liability, property, auto and workers compensation.

2. Contact your local licensing and regulations office to determine if you need to apply for additional licenses or permits, such as appliance maintenance and repair to legally operate a dryer vent cleaning service. You and your employees may need to purchase surety bonds from a licensed insurance provider to perform appliance service and maintenance work in residential and commercial areas. best vacuum cleaners for hotelsA surety bond helps cover costs in the event of a lawsuit or settlement, and helps keep business owners honest when providing services to customers. best panasonic vacuum cleaner reviews3. Lease commercial retail space or create a home office to store dryer vent cleaning equipment, customer files and computer equipment, such as a computer, printer, bookkeeping and invoicing software. best buy hoover vacuum cleaner

Contact a commercial real estate agent to find suitable office space. Lease or purchase at least one company vehicle to transport equipment and employees to client sites. 4. Purchase dryer vent cleaning equipment, such as jet snakes, brushes, air compressors, industrial vacuums and clean up materials, including dry cloths and brooms and dust pans. Purchase protective equipment, such as dust masks, shoe protectors, to prevent the spreading of dust and debris through a customer's home or place of business and uniforms. Purchase equipment and supplies from appliance supply and equipment stores or online. 5. Market dryer vent cleaning services by creating a company brochure that includes a list of services, contact information and general information about the importance of dryer vent cleaning and clothes dryer maintenance. Other marketing materials include business cards, magnets and fliers. List your business in online and print business directories. Attend local trade shows, small business networking events or contact local hotels, property management companies and laundromats to market your services.

/Getty Images Suggest an Article CorrectionOver time, dryer vents can get clogged with built-up lint. When this happens it not only lowers dryer performance but also puts it at risk of catching fire. To prevent this, dryer vents must be cleaned regularly. The National Fire Protection Association Standard 211 suggests that dryers be cleaned once a year. If you are a contractor looking to branch out or someone who enjoys working with your hands and is able to get into crawl spaces and tight areas, consider starting a dryer-vent cleaning business. A home-based or mobile dryer vent-cleaning business can be fairly lucrative, with little financial investment. Expect to charge about $75 to $200 per job. Excluding the cost of a van, start-up costs may be as low as $3,000. Consider becoming certified as a dryer-exhaust technician. While homeowners can clean their own dryer vents, as a contractor, you will be liable for any mistakes. You should be familiar with EPA regulations, building codes and standards for dryers.

Acquire this information by taking the C-Det Certification (See Resources), which is the industry's standard certification. The certification isn't required; however it will get you up to speed as an exhaust cleaner and give your business a degree of professionalism. The certification will cost about $900. Contact your state's licensing agency to register your business, which may cost about $300. Purchase general liability insurance for your business to protect against lawsuits arising from on-the-job accidents, including injury to customers or others on the property. Determine what services you will offer. These may include vent cleaning, repair, installations and alterations. Consider offering air-duct cleaning. Purchase tools that will help you to clean in and around any gutters, the dryer and in dryer vents. You will need tools such as nylon brushes and extenders that are long enough to clean the lint from the exhaust, blockage removers, flex rods, hammers, screwdrivers, clamps, dryer vent brushes, a vacuum, air compressor, and lint catchers (See Resources for where to purchase these supplies) or visit Lowe's or Home Depot.

Your tools and supplies may cost as little as $300, since the cost of parts will typically be included in your fee. Purchase flexible or rigid metal ducts that are at least 4 inches in diameter for replacing poorly positioned or old ducts (See Resources). Consider purchasing dryer boxes, which allow for neater installation, look cleaner and prevent the exhaust hose from kinking up. Advertise your business (and the fact that you are licensed and insured) on your van, truck or car, using vinyl lettering or custom signage. for deals on vans. Purchase business cards to give to each of your customers. Detail your customers' information in a spreadsheet. Contact them yearly about setting up their next vent cleaning. List your business in online directories. Ask satisfied customers to write reviews of your services and allow you to use them as referrals when acquiring new customers. Obtain a federal tax identification number. Then contact the IRS about your tax liability.