A sewing machine will work better if you clean and oil it regularly. This treatment will also prevent the sewing machine from making noise. For most sewing machines, you'll need to remove any lint and thread that has accumulated after you've finished a job, then apply a few drops of oil. It's important to remember that you should only use sewing machine oil.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Oil the Machine
Step 1. Follow the instructions in the manual
Each sewing machine brand is unique. So, it is best to read the manual that came with the sewing machine for instructions on how to clean and oil the machine.
- Some manufacturers recommend cleaning the sewing machine after 10 hours of use. Clean the machine whenever you see lint starting to build up. Some older sewing machines have red markings where you should drip oil. Some other sewing machines provide picture instructions to guide you.
- If you don't have the manual, you can find it on the manufacturer's website. You might even be able to download it. If this option is not available, contact customer service to request a copy. You will be asked to provide your sewing machine name, model and most likely the serial number. You can also contact local suppliers.
- Some sewing machines do not need to be oiled. Machines like this do it automatically. Even so, you should still take care. However, if you're not asked to oil it, don't do it.
Step 2. Do it slowly
You have to make sure you don't drip too much oil. There's nothing wrong with applying a little oil first and seeing how the engine responds. If necessary, add more. Place a sheet of newspaper under the machine as you work.
- Apply the oil to a small area at a time. You have to oil the small parts of the engine one by one. Study the pictures in the manual first so that you understand the function and name of each part.
- Disassemble the engine parts following the instructions in the manual. You have to follow the process of cleaning each part, brushing it, and oiling it.
- After completing each part of the sewing machine, you should return it to its original place and move on to the other parts. Change needles frequently. You may have to do this every time you start a new job.
Step 3. Prepare the sewing machine for cleaning
It is very important to clean the engine before oiling it. First, turn off the machine and unplug the cable from the power outlet.
- Remove any extra components on the machine that would make it difficult for you to clean it thoroughly. For example, remove thread, lifeboat, disc, and sewing machine shoe.
- Remove the needle plate. If the engine has a lifeboat hook, you will need to remove it as lint can build up in this section. For safety purposes, remove the needle from the machine.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Sewing Machine
Step 1. Take a small stiff-bristled brush
You should be able to clean the lint with a stiff brush. Remove as much lint as possible by brushing the machine. When buying a sewing machine, sometimes you get equipment to clean the machine and a special brush for this fiber is one of them.
- To clean tough fibers because they are dense, try using tweezers to remove them. It is very important to thoroughly clean the sewing machine before oiling it.
- Try using a soft cloth to remove any lint or residue on the lifeboat hooks. Some people use a mascara brush or pipe cleaning brush to do this.
Step 2. Use compressed air
You can clean engine parts with a can of compressed air. However, there are some precautions that must be taken when using it.
- A problem that can arise if you use compressed air is that the fabric fibers can be pushed further and further into the engine. To prevent this, hold the nozzle at least 10 cm away from the engine and spray air at an angle with the engine so that the fabric fibers are blown out instead of further in.
- Use air to clean the lifeboat area and the lifeboat itself. This area is where you enter the lifeboat. All the dust will be blown out. Use the same method to clean the lifeboat.
- Clean the area under the needle plate. You have to open the plate using a screwdriver. Remove the plate and you will see dust underneath. Spray this area with compressed air. Clean other parts according to the instructions given in the manual.
Part 3 of 3: Oiling the Machine
Step 1. Purchase sewing machine oil
Do not use oil for cars. You must purchase an oil specially formulated for sewing machines. Sewing machine oil is clear and comes in small bottles.
- When you buy a sewing machine from a store or dealer, you may also get a bottle of sewing machine oil.
- You can buy sewing machine oil at a clothing or sewing supply store. Again, remember that you should never use any other oil than those recommended in the manual.
- Household oil or WD-40 will not be suitable for sewing machines. Sewing machine oil has a different consistency to the oil used for automobiles. This oil is clearer and lighter.
Step 2. Pour a few drops of oil on the sewing machine parts
You just need a little oil. The manual will tell you where you should drip the oil. You only need a few drops.
- Usually, you will be asked to pour a few drops of oil in the unit where the lifeboat is installed.
- On most sewing machines, you will need to grease the lifeboat housing (the rotating part inside the lifeboat). Often, you will be asked to drip oil in the hook race and sewing machine covers. This is actually a silver ring where you attach the lifeboat hook. The sewing machine will work better and sound smoother if you drip oil on this part because the two rub against each other.
- You may also be asked to put a drop of oil on the outer ring of the lifeboat hook. In this section the lifeboat hooks slide along the lifeboat nests.
Step 3. Wipe off excess oil
You can place a piece of cloth under the needle of the sewing machine to absorb excess oil. Don't let the oil stain the fabric when you start your next project.
- Take a cloth and wipe off the excess oil. Otherwise, the oil will stain the fabric and thread. Put the engine back in its original place. Do not grease parts made of plastic.
- If you dripped too much oil, use a machine to sew the muslin, then clean the outside of the machine. Use a towel moistened with soapy water. Wait a moment. That way, the excess oil will be absorbed. Repeat the same process. You may need to do this several times over a few days until all the excess oil has been removed from the engine.
- Do the test. Before starting your next sewing project, take an unused piece of fabric and run the sewing machine over the fabric. See if there is still excess oil. Put the needle plate back into its original position.
Step 4. Oil the Singer sewing machine
Remove the needle plate. Turn the handwheel toward you until the needle is fully lifted and open the hinged front cover. Use a screwdriver to remove the needle plate screw.
- Clean the feed dog (the engine part under the shoe, has a jagged shape). Take out the bobbin. Use the brush that came with the machine to clean this area. Remove the lifeboat. Flick the two hooks holding the arms outward. Remove the hook cover and hook. Clean with a soft cloth.
- Lubricate the parts specified in the manual with 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil. Turn the handwheel until the lifeboat nest is in the left position. Replace the hook cover, and return the retaining arm to its original position. Insert the lifeboat and bobbin and replace the sewing plate.
Tips
- A small vacuum cleaner can sometimes be used to clean lint.
- It is not recommended to blow the thread fibers from the sewing machine by mouth because of the vapor contained in the breath.
- Use a flashlight to illuminate areas that may be difficult to see.
