Gram Contamination in Drum or Bearing Seal Failure

Washer-dryer leaves dark or greasy marks on clothes after washing.

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Build-up of detergent and fabric softener residue, Mold and biofilm in tub, Failing rear bearing seal leaking grease into drum, Dirty door gasket folds

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Run cleaning cycles without laundry when using strong cleaners.

  • Step 1 – Clean gasket and drum: Wipe the door gasket folds and drum with a cloth and a mild detergent or dedicated washing machine cleaner.
  • Step 2 – Run maintenance wash: Run an empty 90°C cycle with a machine cleaner or white vinegar (if permitted by Gram) to dissolve residues.
  • Step 3 – Inspect for oil/grease: If marks look oily and reappear after cleaning, check behind the drum (via rear panel) for signs of bearing seal leakage (brown/black streaks). This indicates bearing/seal failure.

If the bearing seal is leaking, a full bearing and seal replacement is required, which is a complex repair.

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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Drum Bearing Seal
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