How to Oil Your Sewing Machine

A sewing machine operates more effectively when it's regularly oiled and cleaned. It also runs more smoothly. Most sewing machines need periodic cleaning to remove lint and thread buildup that accumulate after extended use, and oiling is necessary to keep them functioning at their best. It's essential to use the correct type of sewing machine oil.

Follow the user manual. Each sewing machine brand may have different requirements, so it's important to refer to the manual that came with your machine to understand how to clean and oil it. Proper oiling ensures that the mechanical parts run smoothly.

• Some manufacturers recommend cleaning your sewing machine every 10 hours of use. Clean the machine once you notice lint accumulating. Older machines may have markings indicating where to apply the oil, or they might use pictures to guide you on oil placement.
• If you don't have the user manual, you can visit the manufacturer's website to download it. If that's not possible, call the manufacturer for assistance. You'll typically need to provide the machine's name, model, and serial number. You can also ask for help from a local dealer.
• Some sewing machines don't require oil because they are self-lubricating. These machines still need regular maintenance, but if the manufacturer says no oiling is necessary, avoid doing so.

Apply oil slowly. You should not use too much oil at once. It's better to apply a small amount and check how the machine operates. If necessary, you can add more. Place a piece of newspaper underneath the machine while working.

• Apply oil to each small area. You should disassemble the small parts of the machine to apply oil. Refer to the diagram in the user manual to understand the function and names of each part.
• Do not apply oil to the needle, thread spool, presser foot, or shuttle area as it will stain the fabric.
• Disassemble the parts according to the instructions in the user manual. Follow the maintenance process for each part: brush, clean, and lubricate each area.
• After cleaning each part of the machine, reassemble it and move to the next part. Remember to replace the needle frequently during use. It's a good idea to replace the needle with each new project.

Prepare the sewing machine before cleaning. It's important to clean the machine before applying oil. Start by turning off the power and unplugging it.

• Remove any parts of the machine that might obstruct thorough cleaning. For example, remove the thread, bobbin, shuttle, and presser foot.
• Remove the shuttle cover. If your machine has a shuttle compartment, you’ll need to remove it as lint tends to accumulate here. Remove the needle for safety reasons.

Use a small, stiff-bristled brush. A stiff-bristled brush can be used to sweep away lint inside the machine. Focus on areas that are accessible. Sometimes these brushes and other cleaning tools are included with the machine.

• To remove stubborn lint that has built up, you can use tweezers to pull it out. Be sure to clean the machine thoroughly before applying oil.
• Use a soft cloth to wipe away lint or dirt from the shuttle area. Some people even use makeup brushes or pipe cleaners to clean the shuttle compartment.

Use compressed air. Compressed air can be used to clean various parts of the sewing machine. However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind when using compressed air.

• The issue with compressed air is that it can blow the lint deeper into the machine. To minimize this, hold the nozzle at least 10cm away from the part you are cleaning, and direct the air in a way that blows the lint out rather than deeper into the machine.
• Use compressed air to clean the bobbin case and its compartment, as this is where the thread is supplied. Dust and debris will be blown out. You can also use compressed air to clean the shuttle.
• Clean underneath the shuttle cover. You’ll need to remove the screws from the cover. Once removed, you’ll see the dust inside. Use compressed air to clean this area. Clean other parts following the instructions in the user manual.

Purchase sewing machine oil. Do not use car oil; instead, buy oil specifically designed for sewing machines. Sewing machine oil is clear and comes in small bottles.

• Your sewing machine might come with a bottle of oil when purchased from the store.
• You can purchase sewing machine oil at stores selling sewing supplies and fabrics. Remember, you can only use the recommended oil from the manual.
• Household oils or WD-40 are not suitable for sewing machines. Sewing machine oil has a different consistency compared to car oils. It is transparent and lighter in color.

Apply oil in drops to sewing machine parts. Only a small amount of oil is necessary. Your manual will indicate where to oil. Typically, only a few drops are needed.

• Generally, you’ll apply a few drops of oil to the shuttle area.
• Most sewing machines require lubrication at the shuttle area (the rotating part inside the bobbin casing). Usually, you’ll need to apply oil to the feed dog mechanism, which is the silver ring holding the shuttle. This will help the machine run more smoothly and quietly, as these parts rub together.
• Also, apply a drop of oil to the outer ring of the shuttle area. This is where it slides along the feed dog.

Wipe off excess oil. Avoid letting oil get on parts that come in contact with fabric. However, if you see oil on the presser foot, needle, or bobbin, clean it with a cloth. If left untreated, the oil could stain fabric or thread.

• If you accidentally apply too much oil, you can run the machine over a piece of muslin fabric, then wipe down the exterior of the machine. Use a damp cloth with soapy water. Leave the cloth for a while to absorb any excess oil. Repeat if necessary. You may need to do this several times in the following days to remove all the excess oil from the machine.
• Check your sewing machine. Before starting a new sewing project, sew a few stitches on a scrap fabric to check for leftover oil. Reattach the faceplate to its original position.

Oiling a Singer sewing machine. First, remove the faceplate. Rotate the handwheel toward you to lift the needle completely, then remove the front cover. Use the screwdriver that came with the machine to remove the screws on the faceplate.

• Clean the sewing bed. Remove the bobbin and use a brush to clean the area. Remove the shuttle and pull out the two arms that hold the hook. Take off the hook and bobbin cover, then wipe the area clean with a soft cloth.
• Apply 1-2 drops of sewing oil to the parts indicated in the manual. Rotate the handwheel until the feed dog is on the left. Reattach the hook, replace the hook cover, and return the two arms to their original position. Reinstall the shuttle, bobbin, and faceplate.

• A vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle can be used to clean lint.
• Do not blow lint out of the machine with your breath as the moisture in your breath can cause damage.
• Shine a flashlight into areas that are difficult to see clearly.

• Sewing machine oil
• Soft cloth
• Newspapers
• Tweezers
• Sewing machine manual
• Stiff-bristled brush