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The Kenmore Elite HE3 is a washing machine by Kenmore.

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oil stains on cloths after washing

We are getting oil stains on our cloths after washing, probably a bearing but how do you fix it?

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Oil spots on your laundry could be the result of a bad seal around the agitator shaft. This causes water to leave the tub and run down into the transmission. Since the transmission oil is physically lighter than water, it leaves the transmission and floats into the tub. At the same time, water stays in the transmission & spin bearing areas.

The only fix is a new transmission, bearing and seal. This is a very expensive and difficult repair, and the cost may not be worth doing on an older unit.

Other causes for stains include buildups of fabric softener inside the agitator (if so equipped) and on the inside of the outer tub. These residues appear as a brownish-yellow stain and can usually be removed by hand with hot water and detergent. Most residues and buildup can be removed from the machine with a treatment of a commercial product, such as Washer Magic.

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It's possible you have oily debris trapped in the drain filter.

To access the drain filter, remove the lower front panel (three screws along the bottom.) Directly below the tub is a whitish-nylon round access hatch. Surround the floor with plenty of old towels to soak up the water, then open the hatch and clean it out.

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