Sewing machine easy maintenance will keep your machine running for many years. This does not mean your machine should not see the repair technician to be cleaned in all the places you don’t have access to. I love taking mine in for what I call the machine’s spa day- no repairs required, but good cleaning, oiling, and everything checked with minor tweaks, as necessary. I have found I can stretch the annual trip if I routinely do routine maintenance as needed at the end of each day of sewing and at the end of a project. Easy Maintenance consists of cleaning out the lint and threads then oiling (provided your manual gives you oiling instructions). Remarkably simple, right?
However, I once had a lady bring me her machine to look at and see if I could tell why it was sewing so slowly and not acting right. I asked when it had last been in for service and how frequently she cleaned it. Service was at least 25 years prior, and she didn’t know you were supposed to do anything to a machine but sew on it. Oh, my! I knew this would be interesting!
I’ll finish this story later. For right now, let’s make sure your machine never gets like hers.
Before Doing Anything
Before doing anything, the first step after laying your user manual within reach is disconnect the power cord. I’d say this is the easiest thing to do, but often overlooked or thought unnecessary. It is necessary for safety. So, unplug!
Tools for Cleaning
Tools for cleaning can be found in most homes. Substituting cotton balls and toothpicks for cotton swabs is fine. Brushes from the kids paint set work fine if they are clean and not losing bristles. A cleaning brush may have been included with your machine. Old shaving brushes long bristles can reach far. Tweezers are helpful to pick up threads and lint. Lint free rags or cut up t-shirts are super to grab hold of thread and fuzz. A wooden skewer with a point is one of my favorite tools because it is long, the tip will bend if I am not being gentle, and it can be made into a super cotton swab!
A Towel Lined Cookie Sheet
This next tool, a towel lined cookie sheet, you will appreciate, trust me. A towel lined cookie sheet works great for holding all the parts and their screws so when it is time to put everything back together you aren’t looking for the part you dropped and the dog went to bury in the backyard, or trying to figure out which screw came from where. This ranks right up there with unplugging! It is a safety measure for your blood pressure, stress, and saying words you wouldn’t want your children to hear coming from you. And you are welcome!
Remove the spool of thread from the machine and put it on the tray. Remove the bobbin from the case as it will be cleaned later. Put the bobbin and bobbin case on the tray. They will be cleaned when returned to the sewing machine.
Your machine isn’t still plugged in, is it?
Let the Cleaning Begin
Let the cleaning begin, but first there is one rule when cleaning – NO BLOWING! It will be tempting to move that piece of dust out of a crevice with a quick puff, but you just might blow it back further than you can clean, plus you blow moisture into the system which is not advisable.
Before we begin, please read the cleaning/maintenance/oiling portion of the manual for your sewing machine and know the manufacturer’s instructions. What I will cover should not void any warranty as it is simple maintenance to keep your machine running smoothly and giving you great stitches. I have several machines made by different manufacturers in varying centuries; cleaning is the same for all. There are limits to how far you can get into the computerized machines for cleaning, which is understandable. Older and non-computerized machines most often allow you access to all areas if the cover pieces can be removed with the screwdrivers that came with the machine or found in most toolboxes.
Ready to start caring for your sewing machine so it will be with you for a long time? Then let’s get started!
Start at the Needle Area
The best place to start easy cleaning is at the needle area. Remove the needle and foot. If you don’t remember when you last changed your needle, it is time, so properly dispose of the one you took out. The needle will be replaced later. Place the foot on the towel.
Check all around where the needle goes and wipe or brush away any lint or debris. Turn the wheel so more of the armature is exposed for cleaning.
Stitch Plate Cover
Next, remove the stitch plate cover; it is the metal cover where the needle disappears when sewing. Some are held by screws; others just pop off. The feed-dogs will now be exposed. Wipe the plate cover with a lint free cloth, both top and bottom and if necessary, brush away lint, threads, or anything in the open slots so it will be ready to reinstall later. Place on towel (with screws if there were any).
Feed-dog Area
The feed-dog area is where you will find the most buildup of threads and lint. Carefully brush the teeth and beneath them to remove debris. Sometimes lint and threads have been there so long they have packed together and don’t want to let go. This is when the pointed skewer comes in handy to gently nudge them loose so it will come free. Anything but gentle cleaning can damage parts. Use brushes to reach all areas you can to remove what should not be there. A lint free rag used with the tweezers is also a handy aid. Cotton swabs are good for many areas. Reach as far back into the machine as you can, being super careful not to push any lint or threads further back where you cannot get to them.
Easy cleaning so far?
Bobbin Hook Cleaning
Bobbin hook cleaning is always interesting once you get into it. Again, refer to your manual on dismantling your bobbin hook for cleaning. Top loading bobbin cleaning will be a bit different. Follow the manual instructions.
Side and front-loading bobbins have a round metal or plastic ring known as the hook race cover. It is secured by one or two small levers to release the ring. The ring may or may not be attached at the bottom. Remove or lower the hook race cover. Next look at the position of the hook race forked area. Remembering where it is in relationship to the hook driver on the left will aid in replacing it easily. Remove the hook by bringing it straight out of the enclosure by holding the pin in the center. Wipe both the hook and hook race cover, if it was not attached, with a towel, removing any debris. Place pieces on the tray.
It is time to clean all areas now accessible. If any threads are sticking out behind the hook enclosure, tweezers are often beneficial in grabbing them securely enough to tug them free. With tools and fingers out of the area, turn the wheel and see if any additional cleaning is necessary.
Oiling the Hook
Oiling the hook may or may not be recommended by the user manual. If there is no mention of oiling in this area, I would do so sparingly and maybe every other time you do a thorough cleaning. I put a small drop on the back rail where the hook rests. This will keep the bobbin thread uptake to be smooth.
Always, after you oil a machine, run it at slow to top speed without it being threaded or fabric under the foot so any excess oil will be dispersed and not ruin your fabric. I then like to check in the bobbin area and wipe away any oil that may have dripped.
When replacing the hook and hook cover, make sure they are properly placed and secure.
Cleaning Behind the Front Plate
Some machines let you simply swing the front cover on the left end of your machine open for cleaning and changing the light bulb. If you are so lucky to have one like this, include a quick removal of lint and thread that may be in that area. Other machines have one or two screws holding that front plate on and usually take a regular screwdriver to remove the piece and give you access to clean that area. Wipe away any oil build up that may have collected on moving parts.
If you have a computerized machine, I doubt if you can go any further with ordinary screwdrivers. Sometimes, even back where general maintenance isn’t going to reach, lint and threads can find their way back there and cause some problems. It is best to leave this to be done at the annual visit to the repair person.
I also put a small drop of oil on the post the needle moves on. The oil makes the movement up and down smoother and quieter. Again, run the machine without fabric under the foot. I do place a paper towel under the foot to absorb the oil so it will not get on the feed-dogs.
Mechanics of Sewing Machines
I like watching the mechanics of sewing machines in good working order. I am fascinated by the simplicty of the older machines. Likewise, I like to move any knobs or levers on the front to see how they change the movement inside. It is truly amazing comparing sewing machines from the 1800s and throughout time to current machines. Personally, I enjoy sewing on my treadles and non-computerized machines that only do a straight stitch. My oldest treadle comes with so many attachments I haven’t even used yet.
Oiling – The Second Step in Maintaining Your Sewing Machine
Oiling is the second step in easy maintaining your sewing machine, so it keeps running smoothly. I recommend you follow the procedure in the owner manual and use a high-grade oil made specifically for sewing machines. A bottle with an extendable nozzle makes it easy to reach difficult areas.
I can’t stress enough if your manual says “one drop” of oil, one drop is sufficient. The manufacturer manual should have a diagram showing all the spots to apply the oil. If the diagram shows arrows to the top of the machine, there should be holes where the drop of oil goes. I also put just a spot of oil on the midpoint of the needle rod so it slides quietly through the mounts. If you put more than a tiny spot of oil, you will have oil dripping off for what seems like forever and can ruin whatever you are sewing. A good rule to follow is to sew several rows of threadless stitches on a scrap piece of fabric until you feel confident no oil will be getting on the fabric.
Clean the Tension Disks
Clean the upper thread tension disks. On some machines, the tension disks are on the front of the machine or face. For some, the tension disks are inside. I like to use waxed dental floss or pipe cleaners for this easy maintenance task.
Loosen the tension disks completely so you can clean the whole disk. Carefully place the dental floss between the tension disks and slide it back and forth and then complete the circle. I like to use waxed floss, so it not only cleans but makes a nice smooth surface for the thread to move over. Non-wax floss may start to shred during the cleaning process and become lodged between the disks. Then you will have to learn how to disassemble the tension. That is for another post! If using the pipe cleaner, you use it the same as the floss. Pipe cleaners are excellent if it has been a while since you have cleaned the tension.
If your tension is inside the machine, loosen it with the adjustment dial and thread the machine with the floss, bringing it up through the tension disks. At that point, take both ends and see-saw around the disks, cleaning the best you can. I have not used a pipe cleaner on my internal tension as I can’t see what is taking place
Reconstruction
It is time now to work backwards, returning parts to where you removed them. Don’t forget to check the bobbin case for lint and stray threads before putting it in the hook area.
Once everything but the needle is back where it came from and you don’t have any extra screws (LOL!), it is time to reconnect the power cord. With scrap fabric under the foot, press the power control, slowly increase speed to as fast as it will go and then back to normal speed for a couple minutes. This does two things: 1) making the parts move as they are intended helps the oil lubricant get to all the areas it needs to be and 2) if it doesn’t run correctly, you will find out before the speed has a chance to get beyond starting as the noise will be obvious. What you should hear is the normal noise you are used to becoming quieter. A well-maintained sewing machine should be quiet, not silent, but quiet.
If you don’t intend to sew anytime soon, you don’t have to put a needle in place. If you do, put in the most common size you use so you won’t have to change it for the next project. Leave the empty bobbin holder in the shuttle so you will know where it is.
Exterior Maintenance
Exterior maintenance doesn’t have a great deal to do with how the machine runs, but who doesn’t want a clean looking machine to sew on! A damp warm rag should be all you need for cleaning the outside. And when you are all finished, put your machine back in the case/cabinet or put a cute sewing machine cover on. You should cover your machine when you are not sewing. When you see how much dust collects on covers, you will see why you don’t want to have it building up within and on your machine.
You are almost finished with the easy maintenance of your machine! It is okay to be proud of yourself! A good habit to get into is cleaning your machine whenever you finish sewing for the day, then it will not be an issue when you return. And don’t forget to cover your machine. Don’t have a machine cover? I’ll do a Sew-Along on just that! Besides, they are much prettier than the plastic covers!
Frequency of Easy Maintenance Cleaning of Your Sewing Machine
The frequency you should do easy maintenance cleaning of your sewing machine will depend on what you are sewing and the thread you are using. For example, quilters who use their machine to quilt the top/batting/back will need to clean frequently. Any fuzzy fabric, wool, flannels, and other linty type fabric, leave excessive lint that builds up around the feed-dogs. Some cotton thread will also leave lint.
Disclaimer
Your manual should be your guide in cleaning and maintaining your machine. If your sewing machine is still under warranty, please do not veer from the manual instructions while doing maintenance. A dealer can show you how to clean and maintain your sewing machine properly. I don’t believe anything I have written can harm your machine. I am not liable for your actions and cleaning methods. The purpose of this article was to make you aware that sewing machines require easy maintenance by you. A visit to a certified sewing machine repairman for a check-up is recommended. They will clean areas you can’t get to and make any adjustments needed for the best stitch possible. Talk to your repairman about how often a shop check-up should be done based on how frequently you sew. They can help you set up an easy maintenance schedule with them for your sewing machine
To End My Story
Remember the machine I was talking about at the first of this lengthy post? It was no wonder the feed-dogs were slow with so much lint packed around, in, and under them! The lint resembled heavy, thick felt! Same for the bobbin hook area and deeper into the front of the machine! Test time had arrived after cleaning and oiling! It was music to my ears as the oil spread to dry areas and the machine began to hum. All it had needed for years was a little love, a lot of cleaning and a drink of oil! Sewing machine easy maintenance 101!