Conventionally, there has been proposed a washing and drying machine provided with an ion generator for generating ions having sterilizing and deodorizing actions so as to exert functions of removing odor that has adhered to clothing and killing saprophytic bacteria and the like by supplying the ions having sterilizing and deodorizing actions into a dewatering tub (drum) accommodating the clothing (refer to Patent Literature 1). Unlike ozone, the ions are odor-free and harmless to a human body, and in addition, have been confirmed to be effective for removing odor and fungi such as mold grown on (adhering to) a wall.
In recent years, along with increasing awareness of health and cleanliness, more and more users hope removal of odor caused by humidity and of mold fungi from a sanitary space in which a washing and drying machine is installed. In this context, the most general sanitary space in which a washing and drying machine is installed is a lavatory adjacent to a bathroom. The space for the lavatory is adjacent to a bathroom, and is smaller in floor area than living spaces such as a dwelling room and a living room. For such reasons, the washing and drying machine is in an environment which is humid and liable to be odorous and moldy.
Further, when being not operated, the washing and drying machine is generally used as a container for dirty washing objects that have been taken off and not yet been washed. Thus, there is a problem that odor is caused by the dirty washing objects that have been put in a dewatering tub and fills the sanitary space.