To get the best out of a sewing machine, proper maintenance is required. Sewing machines are a very common item in households. Nowadays, there are different kinds of Sewing Machines available in the market. All of them need to be taken care of in different ways. The old-school Mechanical Sewing Machine probably requires the most care.
In this guide, we will be sharing some tips that would help to keep the sewing machine in great condition. Also, we will be providing some advice on what not to do while cleaning as well.
Keeping it Covered
It is best to keep the machine covered whenever you are not using it. This prevents any sort of dust buildup.
Using Compressed Air for Lint Removal
Lint is the textile fiber used for cloth manufacturing. If you are someone who uses the machine frequently, it would eventually lead to a buildup of lint. While cleaning the Lint, it is best to avoid conventional means.
We would recommend using compressed air to remove the lint. As a precautionary measure, it is best to keep the nozzle at least 4 inches away from the sewing machine.
Oiling Regularly
For a long-lasting sewing machine, you need to oil it regularly. If you use a sewing machine sparingly, oiling it once a month would suffice. Else, once in a week is ideal. Lubrication is necessary for the smooth working of the different internal parts.
However, you should not use a random oil and apply it. There are specific oils available in the market for this purpose.
Here, we have provided some tips to help you with oiling.
- Oiling should be done only as per the instructions provided in the user manual. Also, check all the parts and their respective condition before you apply oil.
- If a manual is not available, ask for instructions from an instructor about the frequency of oiling.
- The oil holes ought to be located. They are usually painted red or yellow. Applying too much oil can also be damaging as it could clog the machine. Once you have applied the oil, turn the wheel so that the oil would spread out.
- The excess oil or the spilled oil should be wiped out immediately. It could even damage the fabric if not taken care of. You could also try sewing on fabric scraps to remove excess oil.
Changing the Needles Frequently
Most people often underestimate the amount of work that the needle does while sewing. With time, the needle will become dull and could lead to looped threads and damaged fabrics and eventually lead to damage to the machine.
As a result, it is ideal to change the needle after 8-9 hours of sewing. Also, depending on the nature of the fabric you are using, you might need to change the needle as well.
Annual Servicing
Regardless of the amount of care and maintenance you do, it is important that you hire a professional for servicing. This has to be done at least once a year. Hiring an experienced professional has its own benefits as it can alter the tension and timing.
Moreover, they can clean the different parts without disassembling the whole equipment. This would greatly help in prolonging the life of the sewing machine.
Cleaning one part at a time
We advise you to focus on cleaning one part at a time. If you try to open the different sections all at once for cleaning purposes, it might cause confusion and you might face a lot of issues while reassembling it to the original form. As a result, clean one part put it back on, and proceed to the next one.
These are some tips that will help you with cleaning.
- Ensure that the machine is turned off before cleaning.
- Lint or dust particles have to be removed by using a compressor or a brush.
- While brushing turn the handwheel to get to the hidden areas.
- Keep the motor away from oil and cleaning solvent.
- If you find a screw hard to remove, use a cleaning fluid like Kerosene.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed this article on how to keep your sewing machine in good condition. Buying a sewing machine is an investment and to get the best value for your money, proper maintenance is essential. For any queries regarding the content, do contact us.
