I have a Samsung DV8800 tumble dryer (model DV90N8288AX/EU). It's a heat pump dryer with a heat exchanger behind the flap at the bottom left.
I believe there is quite a serious design flaw with these models which could reduce the machine's efficiency, lifespan, and might even pose a fire hazard.
The problem is that there is no pre-filter in front of the heat exchanger. This means that the metal fins of the heat exchanger constantly get clogged up with dust and fluff as demonstrated in this video.
Although I clean the heat exchanger after every few cycles, after several years of use this dust buildup has now noticeably migrated deeper into the machine. Now I am unable to get the heat exchanger totally clean.
There are several YouTube videos which show how fluff becomes trapped deep inside these machines. For example, this video shows how the dust becomes trapped between the heat exchangers and is impossible to clean without a full disassembly and teardown of the machine.
I'm worried that this will reduce the performance/efficiency of my machine or possibly even lead to a fire risk if fluff builds up inside the machine.
I've noticed that other more recent models of Samsung dryers have extra built-in pre-filters which sit in front of the heat exchanger fins:
I would be interested to know if such filters help prevent this issue. If they do, Samsung should offer to send spare parts to customers who purchased older models.
Does anyone else have experience to share or suggestions which might help please?
