If you want our sewing machine to work properly for you, you have to take care of it by dusting and feed it with oil. I suggest that you clean and oil after it after any big project, or after a few small projects.  It’s really easy to forget, and I would much rather be sewing than cleaning my machine. You can instantly get my printable Sewing Machine Cleaning Log & Needle Change guide using the form below the next paragraph.

I made the rule for myself; Every time I fill a bobbin or change a needle, I clean my machine. Not like “spring cleaning” kind of clean, but a quick dusting and 2 drops of oil on the bobbin case, while the bobbin is filling.  That means my machine is always clean and oiled enough to not cause me sewing problems. But it’s not actually clean.  It’s like cleaning your childhood room by shoving all the stuff in the closet.  It totally looks clean, and you can walk in the room, but long term it will cause problem.  So I make sure you deep clean once a quarter and mark it off on the Sewing Machine Cleaning Log, which you can get using the form below.

I will talk about how to clean your machine a little latter, but I wanted to start by letting you know that there is ONE THING that you can do to create fewer sewing machine dust bunnies, and thus help your sewing machine perform better. Use quality thread. That’s it! Easy! Find out more about sewing thread here. 

Dust Removal

Lint and dust inside your sewing machine is the natural consequence after hours of time spent sewing. Cleaning and removing lint removal is important, but easy to forget. You can help yourself keep tabs on how often you clean your machine with the Sewing Machine Maintenance Log (Download it now)

1. 1. Don’t use the little brush that came with your machine to clean it without reinforcements.  You can use the brush as part of the process, but don’t rely on it to do all the work. The brush alone just pushes the dust in deeper and cakes it around the oiled gears.
   2. Use a vacuum and/or a clean mascara brush!  You can get attachments for your home vacuum or buy a tiny one for your sewing area. They make desk models for computer key boards.  Unused mascara brushes are very inexpensive and you can use them for a long time.
   3. Don’t ever use canned air!  I know it seems like a good idea, but it contains moisture (as does your breath). Moisture on sewing machine parts and electronics is BAD. And the lint just gets blown farther into your machine, not out. The bobbin area may be clean, but you just pushed the dust into place you can’t see.  Moisture deep in your machine which can cause rust. So, do not use it!

Where do I clean exactly?

You will want to consult your sewing machine manual or YouTube for how take out the bobbin hook for a complete cleaning. Don’t let this worry you or freak you out. Your machine is designed for you to do this.  For a spot clean while you are filling a new bobbin, just vacuum or mascara wand everything that you can see.

Oiling

Feeed Meeee!…Is what you machine would say if it could talk, but it only wants oil. No blood sacrifices necessary.

What kind of oil should I use?

The oil that came with your machine, is always the way to start.  But you will need more eventually, or maybe your machine didn’t come with oil.  So follow the prompts below for more information.

1. My machine is newer (2000’s) and didn’t come with oil!

You need to check your manual. Either it should have come with oil, or it uses long lasting lubricant that you are not meant to replace. But you need to follow the maintenance schedule so it can get lubricated when it’s serviced.

2. My machine is older and didn’t come with oil.

It needs oil.  Don’t just grab some oil from your garage or kitchen. Sewing machine oil is “non-gumming” so that it won’t get sticky when it dries up over time. If you are getting you machine serviced, just buy a small bottle from your tech. Just make sure it says Sewing Machine Oil.

 

Just Keep Sewing

Now that your machine is clean and you are using good quality thread, keeping your machine in good working order should be a cinch.

The best thing you can do for your machine now is to keep sewing. Just keep sewing, just keep sewing…I feel like seamstress Dory.  Seriously though, not using your sewing machine or storing your machine for long periods allows the oil to drain off of the inner workings and encourages rusting.  Just like a car, even if you don’t have a project to do, take your machine out and run it on some scrap fabric ever month or so when it’s not in use.

Are you thinking of that sewing machine in the back of your closet that you got two year ago and have never touched? Were you just handed your Grand Aunt Ruth’s old Kenmore in the table over the holidays. All is not lost! Don’t despair! The important thing is that when you get that sewing machine out (hopefully soon), the first thing you do is clean and oil it. Most likely it will still work, but you may need to oil it several times for it to be working as smoothly as it once did.

I am a bit of a sewing machine collector, and I assure you I do not run each of my machines every month. If I need/want to use a machine I don’t normally use, I always oil it before and after the project to build up those oil stores and make sure everything is lubricated.

Help yourself take care of your sewing machine.  Get the Sewing Machine Cleaning Log & Needle change Guide using the form below.

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