One of the most often overlooked tasks when we are sewing is regular cleaning and maintenance of the machine itself. It’s easy enough to see when our cutting table needs to be dusted or the fabric stash organized, but your machine also needs a bit of attention now and then. Taking care to keep the machine clean and properly lubricated will ensure that it runs smoothly in between regular tune-ups and can prevent serious problems from developing.
The single most important thing you should do on a regular basis is dust out the machine. Lint-free cloths are great for dusting off the exterior surface of the machine. Use a brush to clean out the bobbin area. Remove the plate covering the feed dogs and brush this area out as well. Lint will often become compacted between the needle plate and feed dogs, preventing the machine from working properly. This type of lint build up can severely damage your machine and even cause gears to break. Stiff bristle paint brushes are great for this, as are pipe cleaners, if you don’t have a specialized lint brush.
You should also remove the face plate of the machine if you can and brush out the needle arm. Thread can sometimes get wound around the take up lever, and this should be removed gently.
Never blow lint or debris out of the inside of the machine! This can push the debris further into the machine and into the gears behind the bobbin assembly. Always use a brush or a small keyboard type vacuum.
Occasional oiling of the machine is also necessary to keep it running. Vintage machines should be oiled at the points indicated in your manual. For newer machines, check your user manual for lubrication instructions. Some of the new machines do not require lubrication in between cleanings. Always be sure to use sewing machine oil, and use it sparingly.
Appropriate lint brushes, cleaning cloths and sewing machine oil can be found at most fabric shops in the notions department. We also stock several types of cleaning brush and sewing machine oil in different applicators for your convenience. Lint-free dusting cloths can be found anywhere that sells household cleaning supplies.