To provide a washing machine for capturing lint separated from laundry by simple structure when supplying, to the laundry, gas containing bactericidal components or sterilization components such as ozone or the like for purification functions, or to provide a washing machine for preventing a leakage of the gas containing the bactericidal components or the sterilization components such as ozone or the like for the purification functions.

In an ozone washing process for supplying the ozone to the laundry stored in a drum 10, the drum 10 is rotated and a dehumidification water valve 14 is opened for capturing the lint which is separated from the laundry and circulates inside a drying unit 3 with air. When the dehumidification water valve 14 is opened, water is accumulated in an outer tub 7. A drainage valve 18 is opened after a specified period of time after an ozone generator 42 is stopped in order to discharge the accumulated water.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT