How to Lubricate a Sewing Machine

https://www.wikihow.it/Lubrificare-una-Macchina-da-Cucire

If you care about your sewing machine, keep it clean and well lubricated;it will work better and will also be less noisy.It is important to eliminate the fabric residues and threads that accumulate with each job, then a few drops of oil will complete the maintenance work.Use only oil specifically designed for sewing machines.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Prepare to Lubricate the Machine

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1
Follow the instructions in the manual. Every brand of sewing machines is different, so it is essential to follow the maintenance and cleaning instructions in the manual.^{[1]
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- Some manufacturers recommend cleaning the machine every 10 hours of operation.However, clean it every time you see dust and lint accumulating.Some older machines highlight the spots to be oiled in red, others will attach reference pictures to guide you.
- If you don't have the instruction booklet, look for it on the manufacturer's website and if you can, save it on your computer;If you can't find it online, contact the manufacturer and ask for a copy.You will likely be asked for your machine's name, model, and serial number.You could also ask a local dealer for help.
- Some machines do not require lubrication.There are self-lubricating sewing machines on the market for which only cleaning is necessary, but no mess with oil.
2
Proceed slowly. Better not to overdo it with oil;use a few drops and then check how the machine works.If necessary, add more.Place a sheet of newspaper under the car while you do this.
- Lubricate one gear at a time.You will have to disassemble the small parts of the machine piece by piece to oil them;Study the manual and its illustrations carefully to know the function and name of each element.
- Disassemble the components following the instructions in the manual to carry out a complete cleaning, brushing and then oiling each part.
- When you finish cleaning one piece, put it back and proceed to the next.Replace needles often, possibly with each new project.
3
Prepare the machine for cleaning. You will need to clean the machine before lubricating it.First of all, turn it off and unplug it.
- Remove any extra pieces that would prevent thorough cleaning, such as thread, bobbin case, plate and presser foot.
- Remove plaque.If your machine has a bobbin hook, you'll need to remove it because it's sure to get lint and lint caught on it.To be safe, also remove the needle.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Clean the Machine

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1
Take a stiff brush. With a stiff brush you should remove dust and lint.You should find the brush and other cleaning material in the cleaning kit included in the machine package.
- Use tweezers to remove debris stuck in the gears.Before lubricating the machine, a complete cleaning is necessary.
- Using a soft cloth, try to clean the spool holder hook as much as possible;some people use a mascara or pipe cleaner to complete this task.
2
Use a can of compressed air. You could use spray compressed air to clean some parts of the machine, but in this case there are some precautions to consider.
- Spraying compressed air may push the lint deeper into the machine's gears.To minimize the problem, keep the dispenser at least 10 cm away from the part to be cleaned, maintaining an angled position so that residues are expelled out of the machine.
- Use air to clean the spool pin and its seat.This is the part where the fuze works, and you should see a lot of powder coming out.^{[2]
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  Research source}Also use air to clean the spool holder.
- Also clean under the needle plate.You will need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding it in place.Inside the plate you will find a lot of dust:remove it with compressed air.Clean all other parts as recommended in the instruction manual.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Oil the Machine

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1
Use only sewing machine oil. You can't use car oil.Only buy oil for the specific use you will make of it.Sewing machine oil is clear and packaged in small bottles.
- You should find a bottle of oil with the machine at the time of purchase.
- You can find this oil in haberdashery or sewing machine shops.I'll say it again:Use only the oil recommended in the owner's manual.
- Cooking oil or WD-40 won't work;sewing machine oil has a different consistency, is clearer and lighter. ^{[3]
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2
Put a few drops on the parts to be lubricated. A few will be enough;the manual will show you the points to lubricate.
- Generally it is recommended to put a few drops in the spool holder seat.
- Many machines require you to oil the shuttle hook (i.e. that pin that turns inside the spool holder).It is often required to put a few drops in the looper and its housing (that silver ring where the spool holder hook fits).By lubricating that part, your machine will work better and be quieter because sliding between the two parts will be easier.
- It may be necessary to place a few drops in the outer ring of the spool holder hook, to help it slide along the looper.^{[4]
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3
Wipe off any excess oil. You can leave a piece of cloth under the presser foot to absorb any excess oil to avoid staining your next project.
- Use a cloth to wipe off any excess oil that might otherwise get on the fabric and thread.Reassemble the various pieces;avoid oil on plastic parts.^{[5]
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- If you put too much oil, slide a piece of muslin through the machine, then clean the outside with a damp soapy cloth.Let the oil collect and then repeat the process.You may need to do this again in the following days, until the excess is eliminated.
- Test the car.Before starting a new project, make a few stitches on a piece of scrap fabric to see if any greasy residue remains, then screw the needle plate back into place.
4
Lubricates a Singer sewing machine. Remove the needle plate.Turn the handwheel towards you until the needle is fully raised, then open the hinged faceplate.Unscrew the needle plate using the screwdriver included in the machine kit.
- Clean the conveyor.Remove the spool and clean the housing with the brush.Remove the spool holder;snap the two hook fixing levers outwards.Remove the hook cover and the hook itself, then clean with a soft cloth.
- Put 1-2 drops of oil on the points indicated in the machine manual.Turn the handwheel until the looper is positioned to the left, then put the hook and its cover back in place.Snap the retention levers, insert the spool pin and spool, then replace the needle plate. ^{[6]
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Advice

You can remove dust and thread residue with a vacuum cleaner, using the smaller accessories.
Do not blow on the machine to remove lint:there is moisture on the breath.
Light up the parts you can't see well with a flashlight.

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Things you will need

Sewing machine oil
Soft cloth
Newspaper
Tweezers
Sewing machine manual
Brush

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