Then we go over the parts of a sewing machine and end the class by showing them how to clean a sewing machine. It is the number one thing you can do to keep your sewing machine running smoothly.  Keeping it clean will prolong the life of your machine and help ensure your projects come out nice.  Lent is an unavoidable part of sewing. The more you sew, the more lint settles into your machine, use cheap thread and fabric and you will create even more. A little regular cleaning will keep your machine running smoothly. And a clean machine is also a quiet machine. Not only will regular maintenance help your machine to run better, but it can also save you money in major repairs.  Here are a few easy steps to clean, maintain, and keep your sewing machine in tip-top shape!

 How often you clean your machine depends on how often you use it. Viking recommends cleaning a machine after at least every 15-20 hours of use. But more often is fine. Take a peek inside the bobbin case. If you see lint beginning to accumulate, it's time to do some maintenance. 

Any time you experience trouble with your machine, check to see that it is threaded correctly, change the needle and then try cleaning it. Quite a few problems are caused by misthreading, bad needles, and an accumulation of dust, lint, or thread bits accumulating on the machine's working parts.

Change Your Needle

 It’s important to remember how much work your needle does. It goes up and down through the fabric at an incredibly fast speed. Needles are thin and a lot of stress is put on them.  A bent or dull needle can result in skipped stitches, broken or looped threads runs or pulls in your fabric or, worst of all, damage to your machine.

 In this video, you’ll learn how to clean your sewing machine thoroughly. If you cannot view the embedded video, click here to watch >>Cleaning Your Sewing machine << on YouTube.

Supplies:

• Screw Driver
• Small Lint Brush
• Vacuum
• Vacuum cleaner attachment kit
• Tweezers
• Owners manual

 A Note On Canned Air

“Compressed” or “canned” air is fluorocarbon gas compressed into liquids. I DO NOT suggest using it for several reasons, but the biggest is because most service centers say not to!  When you use can air, you push lent and thread particles further into the machine. Secondly, it does leave a residue and moisture behind. Why not just blow with your own breath? For the same reasons. Your breath contains moisture also and will eventually cause erosion damage to your machine.

Oiling

 I don’t recommend oiling your machine. Viking machines do not require oiling, and I believe this step is best left to the professionals when you take it in for its yearly check-up. Most of the newer machines on the market today are self-oiling, but be sure to read your manual to make sure. Some machines have 3 to 5 points that need to be lubed with a drop of oil every few uses. If your machine came with a little tube of oil, chances are you need to oil that guy to keep him happy.  

Professional Service

 A good service person adjusts tension and timing during regular service, as well as cleaning areas of the machine that you cannot reach without taking the machine completely apart. Pay special attention to your warranty and owner's manual. Do not remove parts that are not listed in the owner's manual, and don't fiddle with parts you are unsure about; this can void your warranty.

 If you’re unsure what pieces you can take out of the machine or how to put them back – consult your owner's manual; still not sure, contact a professional!

Do you have any other tips regarding good machine cleaning habits?