Sewing Machine Maintenance Tips

Sewing Machine Maintenance Tips

Whether it is your profession or a part-time hobby, sewing machines are the backbone of most of our consumer goods. Keeping that in mind, the machine’s design has evolved since grandma’s classic version attached to a table. But being on top of sewing machine maintenance continues to be essential!

As you sew more projects, you will eventually create a buildup of dust and particles inside your machine. You can’t help it; you are a busy bee! Here are few sewing machine maintenance tips we would like to share with you to help keep the device in tiptop shape.

Essential Sewing Machine Maintenance Tips

Tools and Materials

Investing in excellent needle and thread products is crucial when using your machine daily. They produce higher performance standards, and your project’s results can increase in craftsmanship.

Another factor to consider is the type of materials you use with your machine, leading to buildup, dust, lint, and thread balls. There are a few tools that aid in cleaning to reduce this common problem of build-up. Prepare with these recommendations and tools before cleaning. Let’s not forget that the type of thread matters for long-term use.

A few proper tools with some recommendations for cleaning and performance:

  • Nylon lint brush
  • Pipe cleaner
  • High-quality oil or lubricant
  • Non-glazed or non-waxed threads
  • Aurifil, Robison Anton, Mettler or Gutermann Threads
  • Use a fresh needle per project
  • Daily users should use a new needle every two weeks

Avoid Air Cans

Omit this cleaning tool, as it could cause more havoc, according to sewing machine maintenance professionals. You may feel tempted to buy one of these, and we are here to convince you otherwise.

Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t use the air spray cans:

  • Build up of CO 2
  • Creates gunky lint
  • Jams up on machines

Change Your Oil

Investing in quality oil and lubricant with fine and clear viscosity details is the ideal way to go. With a high-quality product, you can prevent potential damages to your project’s construction. Also, know the difference between oil and lubricant because your maintenance care can depend on your particular machine’s parts, age, and design.

For sewing machine maintenance for daily users, it’s essential to have a professional change the oil on the internal parts: the bushings and gears. Take your machine for this service at least two to three times per year. For hobbyists, change the oil at least once per year. Oiling and lubricating regularly can help your sewing machine operate with smoother and longer performance cycles.

Each machine design is different, so check your manual’s oil and maintenance section before applying. Here are a few tips and parts you can oil:

  • Always clean parts before oiling
  • Use a drop or two of oil when applying
  • Oil on the wick, under the stitch plate
  • Oil on the shelf near the bobbin case
  • Machines with side load areas, oil near the hook and bobbin area
  • Oil on the top holes of machine
  • Older devices have oiling ports on top
  • Older devices may have a red spot of “oil goes here.”

Cleaning Methods

In this tip, we detail how to use the tools we mentioned earlier with a few cleaning strategies you may not have tried yet.

These cleaning techniques reduce fuzz balls, thread buildup, or lingering dust particles. Always unplug your machine before cleaning.

Here are a few cleaning methods:

  • Use pipe cleaner on the tensions disks
  • Use pipe cleaner on external tension assemblies
  • Brush away surface lint with lint duster
  • Brush needle bar system and threaders with lint duster.
  • Brush your lint duster on feed dogs and under the stitch plate.
  • Remove bobbin case and brush with lint duster.
  • Use a damp cloth to wipe away dust or dirt.

Repair Technician

Your machine may seem fine on the surface, but it is critical to have it checked from time to time at an establishment of specialized technicians.

Seek their help if you are problem-solving an issue or a malfunction. If you try to service this yourself, you may risk damaging the device. Also, the internal components of the machine need oiling to increase and maintain performance.

Manufacturers will have experts specialized in specific training from brand to brand, besides the working experience in versatile machine models over the years. It pays off to seek a professional for the occasional tune-up.

Seek a professional for these possible inquiries:

  • Sewing machine jams
  • Oiling internal parts
  • Performance malfunctions
  • Machine brand with no part manual or data
  • Sewing machine will not turn on

We hope you apply these tips and suggestions to your daily sewing machine maintenance care. If you found this information helpful but still need a professional touch, don’t hesitate to contact us to assist you at The Inspired Sewist. Our expert shop is here to help you with numerous service and repair options. We have a professional repair technician with training on multiple brands. Reach out with your inquiries; we would like to see with which machine you’re working!