How to Keep Your Sewing Machine Clean

A sewing machine is like any other piece of machinery. It will work better if you have a regular schedule of cleaning and maintenance. Here are some tips to help you get into the habit of taking care of your sewing machine.

When you are sewing, the fabric will give off lint. But, the biggest source of lint is your thread. If you use a higher quality thread, there will be less lint in your machine. But, you will still need to keep an eye on the lint in your machine. This builds up in the moving parts of your machine. It can clog the needle entry area in the bobbin case or clog up the tension discs. If you let this build up, your machine is sure to break down, eventually.

Before you do any cleaning or maintenance, be sure to unplug your machine. Some machines will come with a nylon brush included with the other accessories. This will do very well cleaning out the lint in all the tight areas inside your sewing machine. Once you open your machine, clean out any visible lint you can find. While you are using your machine, if you see any lint in the thread guides, this should be cleaned out immediately. And, if you keep your machine dust and lint free, that will go a long way towards keeping your machine functional.

To clean between the tension discs, you may need to raise the presser foot. Use a nylon brush with long bristles. Or you might also use a very narrow pick. If lint is left here, it will affect the tension. So, if you have trouble with the tension not working correctly, try cleaning here first.

The needle feeds also need to be kept free from lint. You will probably need to remove the needle plate to get them thoroughly clean. It will either slide out or be held in with a screw. Reach as far inside as you can with your brush and get as much lint out as possible. You can also use canned air to clean your sewing machine. It is not just for computers.

It is good to get into the habit of cleaning any visible lint in or around the bobbin case each time you have it open. If you have the time, take out the bobbin case and get the lint in there, as well.

Read in your manual and see where and how often your machine needs to be oiled. Some machines will have parts that do not need addition oiling. They have been permanently lubricated in the factory. If your sewing machine will need oiling, there will probably be a small bottle in the accessories that come with the machine. It is usually adequate to oil your sewing machine once a year. But, that will depend on how much you use it.

Once a year or so, you might want to remove the cover of your sewing machine and do a more thorough cleaning. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, you can take your sewing machine to a service center and have it done for you. If you are cleaning it yourself, be sure to add a small drop of oil where any shafts run through bushings.

Keeping your sewing machine clean and well maintained will help it last much longer. It will also help it run better. Hopefully, these tips will help you keep your sewing machine in tip top shape so you can enjoy many years of sewing.

SOURCE

Detrixhe, Sandra. "The Everything Sewing Book". 2004. F&W Publications, Inc. Avon, MA, USA.