If your sewing machine is working hard but not running smoothly, it may be time for some maintenance. If you’re observant and make it a habit to clean your machine now and then, potential problems can be prevented.
Everyone needs a clean sewing machine. From fixing some broken threads to replacing the needle, keeping your machine from getting sticky or jamming is super easy with these 7 steps. This article will also show you how to take care of your sewing machine, no matter the size.
So, let’s get started!
7 Steps: How to clean inside of sewing machine?
1) Remove the presser foot and needle:
To get to your machine’s interior, you need to remove the lower presser foot and needle. Unscrew the screw, gently lift the lever underneath the presser foot and tap it until free. Then you can lift off the needle by following the same procedure.
2) Cleaning the presser feet:
Before we move into cleaning the inside of your machine, we need to clean your machine’s presser foot. (Keep in mind that a sewing machine’s presser foot is not the same as your foot.) One way to clean a presser foot is with an old toothbrush.
You can also use any small brush or a clean, lint-free baby wipe. The best method I’ve found is to use a makeup brush with some liquid soap or warm water and gentle pressure. It will eliminate any debris and oil left on the presser foot.
3) Cleaning the thread tension assembly:
The thread tension assembly is found at the back of your sewing machine. It’s a metal plate with little screws. This plate regulates how much pressure your machine puts on the top and bottom threads through the stitching.
To clean, use a lint-free cloth moistened with some liquid soap and water to wipe off all the excess oil from the sewing machine. Then take a dry lint-free cloth and buff off any residue or fingerprints to give it a shiny look again.
4) Cleaning the bobbin case:
The bobbin case is located inside of your sewing machine below the needle. It’s where you put your bobbin and thread. It is a common area for lint and thread to get caught.
To clean out the lint from the inside of the sewing machine, you can use an old toothbrush or a makeup brush. You can also use any small brush or a clean, lint-free baby wipe.
5) Cleaning the bobbin winder:
The bobbin winder is located inside your sewing machine at the top left of the machine. This is where you thread your bobbin onto the machine, and it also acts as a guide for the thread. Using an old toothbrush or a makeup brush, you can clean out any lint or oil from this area.
6) Cleaning the tension mechanism:
The tension mechanism is located on the right needle plate that powers your needle up and down when stitching.
Use a cloth dampened with liquid soap and water to clean this area. Wipe off the excess and let it dry before you start stitching.
7) Cleaning the thread guide:
The thread guide is located on the right-hand side of your sewing machine. It takes the tension from your upper thread to lower it to match the thickness of your fabric.
You can use an old toothbrush or a makeup brush to clean the thread guide. You can also use any small brush or a clean, lint-free baby wipe.
How to take care of your sewing machine:
- When you start, use a separate spool of thread for each color.
- Make sure to keep your sewing machine clean and free of dust every time you use it.
- Check the tension every few months to prevent your machine from breaking down.
- For Some sewing machine that doesn’t have a tension adjuster, uses the tightest tension possible.
- Avoid stitching over large amounts of thread when stitching zippers or fabric with many layers.
- Follow your sewing machine manual for care and maintenance tips.
- Always unplug your sewing machine before cleaning it or changing its needle for the first time.
It is recommended that you use 100% distilled water to clean your sewing machines as this is what it was designed for and will not leave any residue when rinsed off. You should also use 100% dish detergent, which will be easy on the machine and won’t leave any residue.
Conclusion:
Now that we have covered the steps to clean the inside of a sewing machine. Cleaning your sewing machine regularly is the best way to keep it in tiptop shape and ready for any project. Hopefully, the information in this post will help you keep your machine working like new for a long time.
