GagaSmith

I just remove the bobbin holder (not sure of the actual name of it) and dust around with a pipe cleaner. Do any of you remove any more screws and go into the bottom of the machine yourself, or do you let a pro do it?
Also, I heard computerized machines don't need to be oiled. Comments?

Jackie Spencer

I have 2 computerized machines, the only place I oil, is the bobbin case. I only clean the bobbin area of my machine, never remove any screws. I leave that to the professionals.

Stitchnripper

I am not good about this. I should be. I have all mechanical machines that I have recently oiled and cleaned. I made a chenille and flannel quilt on my basic dinky mechanical Brother and months later after reading on this board about cleaning, I decided to try and take the bobbin case out (horizontal bobbin). That poor machine was clogged with fuzz and lint and who knows what else. It took me a long time to pick it all out and then suck it out with the vacuum. the blessed machine never missed a stitch for those months after. I also don't change needles very often. I'm going to try and be better but no promises!!

libby2595

i am slowly learning more and more about my vintage machine. as i learn, i explore, open, clean.

so far, i haven't broken anything. i feel that when i do something i don't know how to come back from... then i'll let the professionals take care of it.

ETA: i clean/dust my machine about every two to three weeks.

Tartan

​I remove the bobbin and hook on my Bernina and dust and oil it. Anything else voids the warranty.

dunster

I remove the bobbin assembly and hook and the needle plate when I clean and oil my Bernina. Some modern machines do not need oil, but others do, at least at the bobbin assembly. Check your manual to see which one you have.

maryb119

I clean in the bobbin area of my Pfaff but I let the pro's clean the rest. I'm too chicken to try it.

joyce888

I take the plate off and all of the loose parts from the bottom case. Then using a vacuuming tool set made for computers (the parts are very small) I clean down in every place I can reach. FYI the vacuum tool set can be purchased at WalMart for about $10 and fits a standard vacuum cleaner.

Zinda

I'm usually good about changing the needle frequently, using a brush around the bobbin area and take off the throat plate and brush that area. I do oil the appropriate area by the bobbin. I have a number of Berninas.

Silver Needle

I clean out the Bobbin area of my Bernina and all my machines EVERY time I change a bobbin. I am more particular with my machines than I am of the kitchen sink. But I don't go further than manufacturer recommends. Bernina gets a spa treatment yearly. Vintage machines get taken care of by DH who services them professionally.