How to Keep Your Sewing Machine Running Smoothly

How to Clean a Sewing Machine and Keep It Running Smoothly

Dust and Lint Buildup

ZJ explains that sewing machines require cleaning because of the buildup of dust and lint on and inside the machine. Some dust occurs naturally on your machine as it sits on your sewing table, and other lint is caused from sewing. Some fabrics create more lint than others, so how often you clean your machine can depend on the fabric you use and sewing machine techniques.

ZJ shows several ways to clean your sewing machine, the first of which is using a small brush to brush out the lint from the machine. Sewing machine cleaning tools like these generally come with your machine when you first get it, but they can also be purchased separately and are not generally machine brand or model specific. ZJ explains why this is a better method for cleaning out dust and lint as opposed to using compressed air or trying to blow out the lint.

Tension Disks, Bobbin Case and More

ZJ then shows the different areas that need to be cleaned on your sewing machine. While many sewing machines and brands look differently, they all have the same main areas that need to be cleaned. She shows how to clean areas of the machine like the tension disks and the bobbin area. ZJ explains that in order to keep your machine running smoothly, you will have to clean in areas around and under the bobbin case.

Stitch Quality Issues

ZJ also touches on how to know if your potential stitch quality issues are being caused by a machine that just needs to be cleaned or an issue that needs more attention.

She also talks about more sewing machine maintenance tips, including oiling a machine, which many (but not all) machines require.