Talk

No idea but remember also to clear the water filter: usually at base of front of machine otherwise they will keep magically keep reappearing.

Get inside and wipe it off with baby wipes or similar?

Are they like the nappy ones that swell and get sticky when wet? If that's the case, tumbledrying or line drying the stuff will get them hard and dry again and then you can brush them off.

That's a good point about the filter, wouldn't have thought of that!

They don't swell up when wet. Unfortunately they're really static so if you try to brush them off they just stick to your hand! They come away under running water but that's not much use for the washing machine. Will try a baby wipe.

I can see I'm going to waste hours trying to sort this out - they're everywhere! Just what I need with a baby and toddler and guests on the way!

Can you hoover then out?
Try the brush attachment if you've got one.

Make sure it's dry inside, switched off (and turn water feed off for good measure) then vacuum them out with hose.

cross post with Baroness.