Mine was same. 1. The ducting thru' heater inside was choked up (remove bottom and rear panels of machine to access and disamantle/clean). In my case, the inside of machine was also coated in inches of fluff, are sure sign that the door to drum seal (fabric) was shot so warm wet air escaped there rather than via (choked) ducting.
I cleaned out all ducting and fitted replacement seal (from Hotpoint spares - 4ourhouse.co.uk) and now ok.
Hope it helps
geoff.franklin@resco.net, February 2008
