How to Oil the Sewing Machine

The sewing machine will work better if it is oiled and cleaned periodically. The machine will also run quieter. Most sewing machines need to be cleaned of lint and only accumulate in the machine after a period of operation and oiling. It is important that you use the correct sewing machine lubricant.

Table of Contents

Preparing to oil the sewing machine

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Follow the instruction manual. Each brand of sewing machine is different, so you should check the manual that came with the machine for cleaning and oiling instructions. A sewing machine that is properly oiled will keep the mechanical parts running smoothly.

Some manufacturers recommend cleaning the sewing machine after 10 hours of use. Clean the machine when you see lint starting to build up. Some older sewing machines have a mark where you need to oil. Others use pictures to guide where to oil.
If you do not have the user manual, you can download it from the manufacturer’s website. If this doesn’t work, you should call the manufacturer and ask them to provide it. Usually you will have to provide the model name, model, and serial number. You can also ask your local sales agent for assistance. ^{[1] X Research Source}
Some sewing machines do not need oiling because they have a self-lubricating function. This type of sewing machine still needs maintenance, but if the manufacturer says it doesn’t need to be oiled, don’t do it.

Slow oiling. You should not use too much oil. You better check it little by little and see how it works. Then you can look up more if needed. Spread a sheet of newspaper underneath the machine while working.

Oil each small position. You should remove the small parts of the machine to oil it. See the drawings in the manual so you understand the function and name of each part.
Do not oil the needle, bobbin, presser foot or throat plate as it will stain the fabric.
Remove the parts according to the instructions in the manual. You should follow the procedure for cleaning each part, sweeping with a brush and lubricating each area.
After cleaning each part of the sewing machine, you should reassemble it and move on to another part. Remember to change the needle regularly during use. You should probably change the needle for each new project.

Prepare the sewing machine before cleaning. You should clean the machine before oiling. First, turn off the power and unplug the power.

Remove all machine parts that may interfere with a thorough cleaning. For example, remove thread, boat, throat plate, and presser foot.
Remove the moonplate. If the sewing machine has a boat holder, you need to remove it because lint accumulates here. Remove the needle for safety reasons.

Cleaning the sewing machine

Use a small broom with stiff bristles. You can use a stiff bristle brush to sweep the lint in the machine. Scan for accessible locations. Sometimes this hard bristled brush and other cleaning tools are sold with the machine.

To remove stubborn lint that has accumulated, you can use tweezers to pry them out. You must clean the sewing machine completely before oiling.
Use a soft cloth to wipe away lint or dirt in the dock. Some people even use an eyeshadow brush or a pipe cleaner to clean the dock.

Use compressed air. You can clean the sewing machine parts with compressed air. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when using compressed air.

The problem with compressed air is that it can blow lint deeper into the machine. To prevent this, you should hold the nozzle at least 10cm away from the part to be cleaned, and spray the air into the machine at a certain angle so that the lint is blown out instead of into the machine.
Use compressed air to clean the boat and the boating area. This is where the bobbin provides only for the machine. The dust particles will be blown out by the air. ^{[2] X Research Source} You also use compressed air to clean the boat.
Clean below the moonplate. You will have to remove the screws on the platen. After removing the platen, you will see dust inside. Use compressed air to spray the area. Clean other parts according to the instructions in the sewing machine manual.

Oiling the sewing machine

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Buy sewing machine lubricant. You cannot use car oil, but must purchase oil specifically made for the sewing machine. Sewing machine oil is transparent and is sold in small bottles.

Your sewing machine may come with a bottle of oil when you buy it from the store.
You can buy sewing machine oil at sewing and fabric stores. Remember that you cannot use any oil other than the one recommended in the manual.
Household oil or WD-40 oil is not suitable for sewing machines. Sewing machine oil has a different consistency than car oil. It is more transparent and lighter in color. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Apply oil to the sewing machine parts drop by drop. You only need to use a small amount of oil. The manual will tell you where to put the oil. The amount of oil needed is only a few drops.

In general, you will put a few drops of oil in the boat holder. ^{[4] X Research Sources}
Most sewing machines require lubrication at the bobbin case (which is the rotating part inside the bobbin die). Usually you have to put oil on the cog bridge. It’s a silver ring that holds the dock for the boat. The sewing machine will work better and quieter if you put oil here because these two parts rub against each other.
You must also put a drop of oil on the outer ring of the boat holder. This is where the slide is along the cog bridge. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Wipe off excess oil. Avoid getting oil on any part of the machine that may come into contact with the fabric. However, if you see oil on the presser foot or throat plate, on the needle or bobbin, wipe it off with a cloth. Otherwise, oil may get on the fabric and thread.

If you accidentally drip too much oil, you can run the machine through a muslin cloth, then wipe the outside of the machine. Use a damp cloth soaked in soapy water. Let the towel sit there for a while to absorb the oil. Repeat if needed. You may have to do this step a few times over the next few days so that there is no excess oil left on the machine.
Check the sewing machine. Before starting a new sewing project, it’s a good idea to sew a few stitches on a piece of scrap fabric to see if there’s any excess oil left. Install the platen back to its original position.

Advice

Vacuum cleaners with small nozzles can be used to clean lint.
You should not blow lint out of the machine with your mouth because the breath contains moisture.
Shine a flashlight in places where you can’t see it clearly.

Things you need

Sewing machine lubricating oil
Soft cloth towels
Newspapers
Tweezers
Sewing Machine Instruction Manual
Hard-bristled broom

Steps

Preparing to oil the sewing machine

Cleaning the sewing machine

Oiling the sewing machine

Advice

Things you need

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