Neff R4381X1GB/04 deep clean?

[DIYdisaster]

Hello,
I have an elderly Neff R4381X1GB/04 dryer that still works. Recently it has developed a slightly stale smell (not really horrible but not as fresh as it used to be) and though clothes come out dry they are not as fresh as they once were either.

I have cleaned the user-accessible places (lint filter, condenser etc.) but can see what might be mould (not sure, poor visibility) further inside the machine behind the condenser unit and at the back of the column that (I think) the water goes up to get to the reservoir.

The main source of smell seems to be from the (interior) opening in the front of the machine (directly below the door opening) which I believe is the exit for air that has passed through the lint filter in the door. Full access to this area (that is, not simply sticking things into this space and hoping for the best) would be really helpful. I squirted fungicide (roughly 2{e5d1b7155a01ef1f3b9c9968eaba33524ee81600d00d4be2b4d93ac2e58cec2d} benzalkonium chloride in water) down there and it helped, but only slightly and temporarily.

I have been unable to find anything helpful on the web and am also hampered by the fact that this appliance was installed when the house was built and the lovely considerate builders put the appliances in first then fitted cladding etc. round them. This means that I cannot move the dryer out of its alcove due to the mains lead being both short and inaccessible… so before I begin what is likely to be a rather fiddly, messy and frustrating job involving lots of swearing I thought I’d ask for advice/clarification (I am not an appliance engineer and shouldn’t really be allowed near sharp objects…).

First off, is there any way to gain access to the innards of this machine so that I can vacuum/wipe all areas that the air is sent through? If so, does this require access to the rear of the machine?

Second, is there any way to at least dismantle the door so that sub-assembly can be thoroughly cleaned? I have had a quick look and aside from the rubber seals in the door I cannot find anything to remove/undo. The outer door panel looks like it might come away – if so, would removing that help?

Of course, there may be a smarter way to achieve my objective and if so, please share 🙂

I’d rather not get rid if possible as it does still work, it (hopefully) just needs a proper clean.
Oh, and if anyone can point me towards online resources that might be helpful (e.g. service manuals with pictures) that would also be really great!

Thanks in advance for your time and trouble!

[electrofix]

well it looks like the door comes to bits

https://www.neff-home.com/uk/supportdetail/product/R4381X1GB/04#/Tabs=section-spareparts/

but since there are no electrics in the door why not take it off and hose it down and put it in the bath and give it a good swill

as for the rest, you can take out the condensor and get your arm to the back annd remove any fluff after that it need to come out

Dave

[DIYdisaster]

Hi Dave,
Thanks for replying, much apreciated!

electrofix wrote:well it looks like the door comes to bits

https://www.neff-home.com/uk/supportdetail/product/R4381X1GB/04#/Tabs=section-spareparts/

but since there are no electrics in the door why not take it off and hose it down and put it in the bath and give it a good swill

as for the rest, you can take out the condensor and get your arm to the back annd remove any fluff after that it need to come out

Dave

I did have a go at picking out the gunge by hand – I was wondering if there was more where I couldn’t see…
Thanks for the exploded door picture, I’ll have a go at removing it … now, where did I put my hammer?

Cheers!

[Author]

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