My machines are cleaned after every project, oiled and a new needle put in so it's ready for the next project. I have a small fan paint brush that I use to clean out the bobbin area every bobbin change. :)

I clean my bobbin area with each bobbin change. I use a paint brush, pipe cleaner and a clean mascara wand (that's my fav). I purchased small attachments that I fit on my vacuum hose from Menards (hardware store) did have to purchase an adapter so it would fit on my vacuums hose.

I clean around the bobbin every time I enpty one and take a long handled paint brush and brush out all the lint I see. If it sounds noisy I remove the plate above the feed dogs and brush that out also. I put a drop of oil on the bobbin rim each time also. I brush around and behind the tesion knob when I see lint. I oil it after about every 6-8 hours of sewing as manual directs.

This is a very good practice to get into and I do the same thing, except I blow out the lint in the bobbin area.

Billy

I was told by an instructor not to ever blow into our sewing machine innerds. Evidently the condensation from our breath can actually cause the metal parts to rust. I told her I blew, not spit, wherein she laughed and said it amounted to the same thing. It's also why we aren't supposed to stick pins in our mouths, because it can cause the pins to rust. Just thought I'd throw that out there for you. (Don't spit in my direction if you disagree! :lol: )


I clean my machine after every project or every 6-12 hours of sewing, or about once a week. I clean out the bobbin area once every 1-2 bobbins. If I have to fill my bobbins, it's time to clean! I also change my needle after every project. I should do it more often, at least according to the experts, but money is a bit tight and those darn needles can get expensive.

I like your response to the instructor!! :lol: :lol: :lol:

I use compressed air to blow out my bobbin area so no spit is involved, but I can understand the whole condensation thing though.

But lets not forget that the newest machine that I use is 62 years old so what works well for me might not be the best for the folks who have the newfangled machines.

Billy

I was lucky to work with an ex industrial sewing machine maint. tech. I would bring him my machines and he would show me how to get the housing off and where to clean, where to oil, how to fix the clutch for the bobbin winder, and how to set the timing. I haven't had to use a machine repairman in years. I did let one shop order a new part for one of my machines and found out later when I cleaned it a used part was put in but I was charged for a new one. It makes me wonder how many repairs are made this way.

I clean mine after each project. I had to clean more when I made the flannel quilts. They were so linty.

I cleand the bobbin area every time I change the bobbin. I clean the rest when the noises changes. Take it to be clean about once a year. My favorite cleaning tools other than a brush are a pipe cleaner (I have to keep hidden bc it's Emmy's favorite toy) and a clean mascara brush.

I have a Viking machine and the shop I bought it from quoted $89 for a "tune up" and cleaning. I understand that it will take a bit of time, but I'm wondering how many $89 tune-ups I should have on a $500 machine?

I clean the bobbin area about once a week with a paint brush and pipe cleaners. If I see lint in other areas, I take apart all I can and clean out the lint.

Does anybody actually remove screws from the housing and really get into the works of their machine? I'm wondering if I can do this and save myself big $$$.

What do you think??

Sue