Sewing machine is one of the most important and most expensive thing for a sewist. If you are a professional sewist then its like a vehicle, because of this machine only you can run your business. If you are a hobby sewist then it is one of the most important possession.
So, a machine which runs frequently needs to be fit and healthy. To keep it run smoothly, it is needed to be cleaned regularly. To clean it frequently, you can’t take to a service center always. You should learn to learn to clean it on your own. To do this, you should identify which part of the machine is to be cleaned and the process to clean it.
Regular cleaning of a sewing machine will improve the stitch quality and also increases its self life. It is very important to clean and oil a sewing machine regularly.
In this post, we are going to describe the detail process of cleaning a sewing machine. Lets get started.
How To Clean A Sewing Machine
Cleaning a sewing machine is a step by step process, like gathering tools for cleaning, removing the parts of the sewing machine, cleaning then reassembling.
Tools Required To Clean A Sewing Machine
The tools required to clean the sewing machine are
- A brush that comes with sewing machine or A tooth brush
- Liquid for cleaning
- Soft cloth
- Screw driver
- Mini vacuum
- Sewing machine manual
Steps For Cleaning a Sewing Machine
-
Switch Off the machine and Remove the thread
Before the starting the process of cleaning, make sure to switch the machine off. Remove the thread from the sewing machine. Another reminder is not to pull the thread out from the top. Cut the thread from the spool and pull it from bottom.
-
Remove the Needle and Presser Foot and other parts
Now, remove the needle and the presser foot, slide plate, throat plate, bobbin case, and the face plate. Put them in the pot with cleaning liquid and soak them.
If the needle is old now and you were thinking to change the needle since sometimes. Then its the perfect time to do it. You must be wondering how to change the sewing machine needle. Dont worry its very simple. There is screw that holds the needle to the shaft. Just pull it straight down and remove the needle. There are different types of needles. You can select best needle for sewing.
-
Remove and Clean The Bobbin Case
Bobbin case can be removed easily. First remove the needle plate. Below the needle plate there is bobbin with bobbin case. Remove them. Clean it using machine brush or tooth brush.
-
CleanThe Machine
Wipe the dust with a soft cloth. After cleaning with a cloth, use a mini vacuum. If you have a mini vacuum, then use it to suck the dusts. The vacuum can’t reach the corner. Use a tooth brush or paint brush for hard to reach areas. Insert the the brush in every nook and corner to clean it properly. After all done, run the vacuum for the last time. So that it can suck the remaining dusts.
-
Apply Oil
After the cleaning is done, apply oil. Regular oiling helps to maintain health of the sewing machine. After cleaning oiling is necessary. As a beginner you must be wondering how to oil a sewing machine. To oil a sewing machine always refer to the user manual. Dont buy any random oil. Always use the sewing machine oil.
-
Reassemble All The Parts
After the cleaning work is done, put all the parts in their place. At this time, if you have to change the bobbin case, needle, then change it. Adjust the feed dog. Replace the presser foot if needed.
How Often You Should Clean Your Sewing Machine
If you use your sewing machine regularly means daily then you need to clean it once in every 8-10 days. Again if you sew heavier fabrics more often then also clean regularly.
If you use the machine once in a week, then clean and oil it once in a month. If you use it once in a month then clean it every 6 months.
Conclusion
We have discussed how cleaning the sewing machine is important and how can you do it effortlessly at your home. There was step by step process of cleaning the sewing machine. Follow it and do it at your spare time. But it is necessary to take the machine to service center once in a year, if you are heavy user. Dont underestimate it. Hope the article will help you to solve your problem.
