I'm only admitting this because.....
05-11-2011, 06:24 AM
#31
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Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Brewerton, NY
Posts: 2,489
Originally Posted by jaciqltznok
OH yeah....you fixed it and learned something you can share proudly...cleaning is a MAJOR part of owning a sewing machine that actually gets used!
if you can find real pipe cleaners (not chenille stems) get some..they get into tinier spaces and really hold up to bending and such!
I also use a very small bushy paint brush...just a dab of oil and it is like a dust magnet....
kudo's for sharing!
if you can find real pipe cleaners (not chenille stems) get some..they get into tinier spaces and really hold up to bending and such!
I also use a very small bushy paint brush...just a dab of oil and it is like a dust magnet....
kudo's for sharing!
05-11-2011, 06:26 AM
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: UT
Posts: 389
Originally Posted by Lena1952
Here is a tip from my sewing machine repairman son: Wind 3 bobbins. After using up all 3 bobbins, clean your machine and replace your needle. I know replacing the needle this often sounds insane but it really needs it as it goes thru the material 100's of thousands of time during the time it takes to use up 3 bobbins. To clean, turn off the machine first. He recommends an inexpensive child's water color paint brush, the kind you find at the dollar store. The lint will stick to it and it has good reach. Remove the top plate to get at all the parts you can see. Oil, with any approved oil for sewing machines, the bobbin area lightly every time you clean. He does not recommend the compressed air. Once your machine plate is put back in place, sew through a piece of scrap fabric to remove any excess oil. The lint may be removed from the brush by flicking it across your hand over the trash can. It is easy to lose track of when you cleaned last, so the 3 bobbins works as a reminder. It will keep your machine running smoother longer and lower your frustration level with a poorly running machine. He also highly recommends having it proffesionaly serviced once a year but no less than every other year if you perform good cleaning yourself. Happy Sewing!
05-11-2011, 06:39 AM
#33
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Duluth/ Superior, WI
Posts: 1,038
Thank you for reminding us of how important cleaning our machines every so often is. I think sometimes we get so involved in what we are doing that we forget how the smallest things make such a big difference. Such as cleaning the feed dogs, changing needles, adding a touch of oil, and just general TLC of our machines and equipment. Thanks
Brenda
Brenda
05-11-2011, 06:48 AM
#36
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Salina, KS
Posts: 91
I use a Q-Tip and some machine oil (you can get this at Wal-Mart, It is Singer oil, but works for all machines). Use the q-tip with oil on the tip and work all around the feed dogs and the bobbin housing and all the working parts around it. This will help keep it clean. I also use a stiff paint brush and get all the big pieces of lint out. Don't blow on the feed dogs and the bobbin housing, that only drives all of the lint and other debries back into the back part of the machine and can cause you all sorts of problems later. After all of that is done then put 2 small drops of oil on the inner part of the bobbin housing, where the bobbin sets, if you can take that part of the housing out of your machine, I can as I have a Berninia. Then run the machine for about a min and it should be oiled and back to purring like a kitten. I would probably do this after every new project like when you change your needle.
An after thought, before you start a new project after oiling and cleaning your machine, make sure you sew on a old piece of material, just incase you have any oil anywhere you didn't know about and it won't ruin your new pretty material.
Jennifer :)
An after thought, before you start a new project after oiling and cleaning your machine, make sure you sew on a old piece of material, just incase you have any oil anywhere you didn't know about and it won't ruin your new pretty material.
Jennifer :)
05-11-2011, 07:07 AM
#38
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: My Sewing Room
Posts: 1,180
Funny you should mention this...A couple of years ago, my old favorite Kenmore from the 70s started making a knocking noise when I sewed. When my DH found out it was 30 years old, he decided I needed a new machine, which he bought for Christmas. I haven't used the Kenmore since. Now I'm thinking that Kenmore just needs a good cleaning and oiling, because years ago I never really thought to oil it regularly, and it probably has years of built-up gunk around the feed dogs. It's on my list...
05-11-2011, 07:07 AM
#39
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 2,122
I just took mine apart and cleaned it. It's a wonder it would even run with all the lint in there!
When I took my machine in for a sewing lesson she used a spray can of air to clean inside my machine. I may have to invest in one of those cans.
I was told that machines with a drop in bobbin never need to be oiled. Doesn't seem right to me but the book that came with it doesn't say anything about oil in the maintenance section.
When I took my machine in for a sewing lesson she used a spray can of air to clean inside my machine. I may have to invest in one of those cans.
I was told that machines with a drop in bobbin never need to be oiled. Doesn't seem right to me but the book that came with it doesn't say anything about oil in the maintenance section.
05-11-2011, 07:23 AM
#40
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Brewerton, NY
Posts: 2,489
Originally Posted by Pam H
I just took mine apart and cleaned it. It's a wonder it would even run with all the lint in there!
When I took my machine in for a sewing lesson she used a spray can of air to clean inside my machine. I may have to invest in one of those cans.
I was told that machines with a drop in bobbin never need to be oiled. Doesn't seem right to me but the book that came with it doesn't say anything about oil in the maintenance section.
When I took my machine in for a sewing lesson she used a spray can of air to clean inside my machine. I may have to invest in one of those cans.
I was told that machines with a drop in bobbin never need to be oiled. Doesn't seem right to me but the book that came with it doesn't say anything about oil in the maintenance section.
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