Here’s How to Clean, Oil, and Maintain Your Sewing Machine

Here’s How to Clean, Oil, and Maintain Your Sewing Machine

Did you know that it is important to keep your sewing machine cleaned and oiled at all times? The frequency of sewing machine cleaning and oiling, of course, will all depend on the fabric that you typically sew with, and how much you actually sew. If you use your machine more than just occasionally or sew using fabrics that shed, such as velvet or corduroy, you should clean your machine at least monthly. However, if you hear any type of clinking or see a build-up of fibers, you should clean and grease your machine immediately. To get started, just follow the steps below to get your machine in tip-top shape:

  1. Remove the Throat Plate

Removing the throat plate is crucial because it is where most of the fabric fibers and dust particles accumulate.

To remove the throat plate, you must:

  • Unplug the sewing machine,
  • Read through the user manual to learn how the throat plate is removed,
  • Either slide the plate off or remove it with a screwdriver.
  1. Use a Nylon Brush to Remove Debris

Dust and debris will collect in your machine’s hardest to reach places. For this reason, you should never use compressed can air, because it will force dirt deep down and out of reach. It’s best to use a flexible brush for sewing machine cleaning instead.

To clean inside your machine, you must:

  • Remove the bobbin case, if applicable,
  • Clean the entire bobbin case,
  • Brush between the feed dogs thoroughly removing all dust.
  1. Oil your Machine

After a comprehensive cleaning, your machine will need to be oiled. The special type of oil made for sewing machines is specifically designed for the delicate parts of the appliance; preventing wear and tear caused by friction. Frequent oiling will keep your machine running smoothly for years to come, so it is a very important part of your machine’s maintenance that should not be forgotten.

In order to oil your sewing machine, you must:

  • Find out where the moving parts touch by turning the wheel back and forth,
  • Place a bit of oil where the parts meet and friction is created,
  • Crank the wheel back and forth to rub the oil into the parts.
  1. Put your Machine Back Together

Your machine should be good as new at this point. All you need to do is to remove the excess oil, clean up, and reconstruct your machine so it is ready for use.

To ready your machine for your next sewing project, you should:

  • Use a piece of inexpensive or leftover material to absorb any extra lubricant,
  • Use a dust cloth to wipe down your entire machine,
  • Re-install the throat plate by slipping it back on or using a screwdriver,
  • Brush the area near the thread path clean,
  • Plug in the machine and test it out on a scrap of cheap fabric, such as muslin,
  • Be sure to cover your machine when not in use to prevent the build-up of debris, dirt, and dust.

Sewing machine cleaning and oiling are quick and easy tasks, but keeping on top of them will keep your machine running well over time. That is why these routine chores are definitely worth the effort. Do you have any additional inquiries about sewing machine maintenance? Simply contact us today and we will answer any questions you may have.