OK, so I tried to shake out one garment in the mudroom (it's pouring outside)then put it in the dryer on air fluff. That got about 99% off and into the lint filter! So I put the rest of the load and still go 90% off. The stuff on the floor dried and I was able to sweep it out the door. I had an old rubber door stop that I turned upside down and used as a mini-scoop/soft spatula and it worked well to clean the washer drum.
Next I'll run the washer thru a cycle, clean again then rinse the duds again. *sigh* getting there! The lovely boy put his own pj's in the washer so I didn't catch it.
Thanks everyone. Was delighted to try the air fluff and have it work!