Think Your Sewing Machine Doesn’t Need Cleaning?
Check it out - there is so much lint and fuzz! It accumulates in just a couple of weeks of regular use.
It's such an important thing to do in order to keep your machine running well!
Pro-tip: polyester thread is cleaner and creates less lint.
The Tools Required
You don’t need a lot of tools to clean a sewing machine
The tools I use are:
a soft, clean cloth for the outside
a small soft makeup brush (eye shadow size)
I've also seen people use a pipe cleaner
I use long-handle Q-tips (Amazon)
a small brush with stiff bristles sometimes helps (the kind that probably came with your machine)
a small screwdriver for removing the needle and stitch plate screws (if any)
I used to use canned air to clean my sewing machines, and while that may be okay for mechanical machines, it isn't recommended because the dust sometimes ends up in places that you can't see and can cause damage. It is absolutely not recommended for electronic sewing machines.
Step 1: Remove the Spool of Thread
A pro tip for keeping the delicate thread path working correctly: Don’t pull it out from the top when changing or removing a spool of thread. (I just learned this!)
Cut the thread near the spool. Then, grab the thread in front of the needle and pull it out from the bottom.
Repeatedly pulling the thread out backward from the spool can cause lint to build up or damage the springs or tension disks. Play it safe by removing the thread from the bottom.
Step 2: Dusting the Outside
After removing the thread, give your sewing machine a good dusting with the soft cloth. You could dampen the cloth with mild cleaner, but I usually don’t find that necessary.
Step 3: Remove the Presser Foot, Needle, and Stitch Plate
For a very thorough cleaning, remove the presser foot and needle. Take the opportunity to throw away the needle, too – it’s probably time, right?
Next, remove the stitch plate. Some stitch plates pop off with the push of a button, but most require removing a screw or two.
Step 4: Clean the Bobbin Case and Under it
Remove the bobbin case, (TIP: take a pic before removing the bobbin case so you can refer to that when it's time to put it back in!) Take out the bobbin case, and give it a good cleaning on top and bottom with a Q-tip or a soft make up brush. The makeup brush picks up the fine dust really well.
Step 5: Remove any Lint, threads and Dust Bunnies
Go after all the lint and dust bunnies under the stitch plate and bobbin case. You’ll know the situation is dire when the buildup is so bad it looks like felt!
I use my Q-tip for this so I don't brush any dust out of the areas - I just want to pick it up and out, not spread it.
Step 6: Oil?
Check your sewing machine’s owner’s manual to see if you need to oil it. If so, it will show you the right spots. Most electronic sewing machines do not require oil.
Step 7: Put it all Back Together!
Replace the bobbin case and stitch plate. Put the presser foot back on, and a new needle in… and you’re good to go!
How Often Should a Sewing Machine Be Cleaned?
It depends on how often you use it.
If sewing a lot with cotton thread, try to clean it every two weeks. Someone who doesn’t sew every day might not need to clean their sewing machine this often, but it’s recommended to clean your sewing machine at least once a month.