Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Duct and dryer vent cleaning runs on suction and agitation: a machine that pulls air, brushes and whips that knock the dust loose, and a camera to show the customer before and after.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Portable negative air machine or a truck-mounted vacuum | Pulls the dust out of the system | Varies by brand |
| Rotary brush and whip kit | Breaks dust loose from duct walls | Varies by brand |
| Dryer vent brush kit for a drill | Clears lint from vent runs | Varies by brand |
| Inspection camera | Before and after views for the customer | Varies by brand |
| Cordless drill | Access holes, registers and brush heads | Varies by brand |
| Register covers and plastic | Keeping dust out of the rooms | Varies by brand |
| Ladder for registers and roof vents | High returns and second-floor vents | $535 (Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, Little Giant) |
| Respirator, gloves and drop cloths | Dust and lint protection | Varies by brand |
| Nonconductive voltage tester | Checking power before opening a dryer or furnace | $45 (Fluke 1AC II non-contact voltage tester, Fluke) |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most duct cleaners buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Larger negative air machine | Bigger homes and light commercial | Varies by brand |
| Air compressor and air whips | Agitating long trunk lines | Varies by brand |
| Fogging sprayer | Sanitizer treatments when the customer asks | Varies by brand |
| Truck or van setup with hose storage | Faster setup and teardown | Varies by brand |
| Dryer vent airflow meter | Proving the vent runs clear | Varies by brand |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Access door covers and foil tape. Closing the holes you cut.
- Dryer vent hose and clamps. Replacing crushed transition hose.
- Bird guards and vent caps. Common add-on sales.
- Furnace filters in common sizes. Swapping the filter on the same visit.
- Spare brush heads and whips. They wear out fastest.
- Shoe covers and floor runners. Clean entries in occupied homes.
What a duct and dryer vent cleaning kit costs
The 2 starter kit items we could price add up to $580 at the maker's listed price, out of 9 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
None of the 5 pro kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
The vacuum machine swings the total most: a portable unit costs far less than a truck mount but moves less air. Many start with dryer vents and a portable machine, then add ducts and bigger equipment.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most duct cleaners buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our duct and dryer vent cleaning suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the duct and dryer vent cleaning services list to set your prices.
Sources
- Little Giant: Little Giant Revolution 2.0, Model 17, checked October 9, 2026
- Fluke: Fluke 1AC II non-contact voltage tester, checked October 9, 2026
- Insureon: Insurance cost for contractors as a group, checked October 9, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.