Hello gorgeous.

I found a good way to clean my machine is:

Fill it up with hot water, open the lid, pour in vinegar, and bicarb. It will then fizz up, then let it run a cycle. Make sure you use hot water though. This should help get rid of grime, build up etc.

Do you dissolve your powder before putting it in? If not, this will definitely help your clothes to not come out with powder on there. Just put your desired amount of powder in a small bowl (i use an old jar) and mix with a bit of water, and chuck it in. It really only takes an extra second.

Liquid does stop this from happening, BUT liquid can also leave water marks (stains) on your clothes. And some of my clothes (particularly white ones) have been ruined.