Damp water smell

[Sharon2807]

DV90T5240AN/S1 9.0KG CONDENSER HEAT PUMP DRYER 

My dryer is just 12 months old not used regularly..  there is a damp water smell which transfers onto my clothes.  Has anyone experienced this with there dryer and how did you resolve it. 

I have tried trouble shooting cleaning drum , door , heat exchanger  water container while the smell has improved its still present..I would appreciate any help. I contacted Samsung but they said its the washing machine causing g the smell in my dryer?

I was asked by a lady in the authorise service centre has there been a change to our water supply..just to.note I don't put wet clothes in dryer , I put in almost dry clothes.  

[SocietyGirl]

Could be stagnant water - if it improved after sorting the tank, maybe rinse it out and see if that does it - might have had old water in it too long. 

[carchie86]

I have this exact same problem with a dryer that is not even 12 months old that I use only 2-3 times a week. I follow the recommended instructions, cleaning heat exchanger regularly, emptying water tank and cleaning filter after every cycle and yet the smell persists. Samsung support advised cleaning the drum and seals with white vinegar, it made only a very minor difference and my clothes still stink of damp when they come out. 

They have since told me smells are not covered by warranty, I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to do and I'm currently stuck with a dryer that seems to have a design fault that Samsung will not acknowledge.

[KholaI]

Hey @carchie86 

Checking the user manual, the troubleshooting guide says the following regarding a damp/soggy smell:

'Heat pump dryers circulate ambient air inside and outside the dryer during the drying process to cool the system. Using the dryer in a poorly ventilated area may, depending on the operating environment, raise the ambient humidity level and/or cause a damp, soggy smell to develop. Ensure proper ventilation when using the dryer.'

Does this advice help at all?

[carchie86]

Thanks for the reply Kholal but it is well ventilated and although cold at this time of year, the problem has persisted throughout the summer and into autumn, so the ambient temperature would not appear to be a cause of the issue.

[KholaI]

Thanks for letting me know! Have you installed a drain hose? If yes, is it connected to a Standpipe or a Spigot? 

If not, the next step would be to clean the drum with damp cloth. I know you mentioned you've tried using white vinegar, but please give this another try with either a lemon or vinegar based solution to help you banish the bad smell.

You may have to repeat the previous steps several times in order to solve your issue

Please also note, after using the tumble dryer, you should leave the door open to let it air dry to help reduce bacteria build up and prevent unpleasant smells.

Does any of this information help at all?

[carchie86]

Hi Kolal, I have not installed a drain hose as there is nowhere convenient to drain the water to, so I am reliant on the in-built water tank which is emptied after every load.

I have followed your advice and cleaned in the drum numerous times but it has not solved the issue with the dryer. Similarly, I leave the door open, heat exchanger open and take the water tank out when I have finished my laundry but again it seems to have made little to no difference.

I noticed after the last use that the heat exchanger was quite damp inside. There was a noticeable amount of moisture and when I clean the lint from the fins it is also damp. Is this dampness to be expected within the heat exchanger?