Avoid These Common Mistakes When Oiling Your Sewing Machine

Regular oiling is an important part of sewing machine care. Any moving parts occasionally need lubrication to keep working smoothly. For sewing machines, oiling prevents rust and helps stop the needle from catching and snagging on fabric. It also works to extend the life of the machine and reduce the need for expensive repairs.

However, incorrect oiling habits can cause more harm than good. Before you get that tiny bottle of oil out of your sewing kit, it’s vital to first ensure you know how to avoid some of the most common mistakes of sewing machine care.

How to Oil a Sewing Machine

The first mistake you can avoid is assuming you already know how to oil your new sewing machine. Every model is different, so before attempting any sewing machine care, read through the manual and check all the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

If you’ve inherited or purchased a machine second-hand, you may not have a manual. You can find free downloadable instruction manuals for hundreds of makes and models by searching online.

If your machine requires oil, you can generally use it on the thread take-up lever, in the bobbin case, on the handwheel, and on the shuttle race. Your instruction manual should provide a diagram to show all the areas that require oiling. Some parts may need to be disassembled beforehand.

To start, you’ll want to unplug and clean your machine. Remove the thread and the bobbin, and use only the types of lubricant that are recommended in your manual. Apply one or two drops in each place, and wipe away any excess.

It’s a good rule of thumb to use medium-weight scrap fabric to test your machine and make sure everything is working correctly. After testing, check once again for areas with excess oil. This precaution helps prevent oil drips from staining fabric once you begin sewing.

Common Mistakes in Sewing Machine Care

Cleaning and oiling your machine for the first time can seem intimidating. These tips will help you master the art of oiling and keep you “bobbin” along with all your sewing projects.

Not Oiling and Cleaning Often Enough

Following the manufacturer’s recommendations for all types of sewing machine care is smart, but if you are a busy sewist, standard recommendations may not be enough.

A general guide is to oil your machine every three to four months if you’re a light sewist. People who sew daily or frequently use heavy materials should oil after around 10 hours of use.

Skipping Professional Service

Regular cleaning and oiling at home can help your sewing machine perform better and reduce problems with the moving parts. However, even the best home maintenance doesn’t replace professional servicing.

You’ll want to have your sewing machine professionally serviced once a year if you sew frequently or use heavy textiles often. Those who only sew occasionally should have their machines serviced every two years.

Using the Wrong Oil

All oils are not the same, especially when it comes to a sewing machine that has many moving parts and needs to handle a variety of delicate and heavy materials. Sewing machine oil is lighter and clearer than other types of oil, so never use products like WD-40, car oil, or cooking oils.

If your instruction manual does not recommend a specific brand, any general sewing machine oil should be safe to use.

Not Cleaning the Machine First

Skipping this step could result in a dusty, linty mess that damages your sewing machine. When oil mixes with lint and debris, it becomes sticky and clumpy. This mistake can not only cause machine damage, but also make cleaning harder when you do get around to it.

Use a soft brush and canned compressed air to sweep away loose debris. If needed, a stiff lint brush can remove stubborn lint and fuzz. Pay special attention to cleaning all the areas that will be oiled. Wipe down these surfaces with a clean, dry, and lint-free cloth. You’ll then be ready to oil.

Not Removing the Necessary Parts

Simply placing a drop of oil here and there is not enough to keep your machine running smoothly. It may be necessary to disassemble certain parts of the sewing machine to clean and oil them properly.

In addition to the thread and bobbin, parts that may need to be removed for proper sewing machine care include:

• Presser foot
• Handwheel
• Needle plate
• Bobbin case

Keep a small screwdriver in your cleaning kit to make removal easy.

Ignoring the Signs Your Machine Needs Oil

The instruction manual for your sewing machine is your best resource, but a manual won’t know your specific sewing habits. If your machine needs more frequent oiling than the manual suggests, it will do its best to tell you.

Listen for increased noise when the machine is running. Sluggish movements and skipped stitches are also signs your machine is lacking oil.

It’s possible to over-oil, though. Remember to add only a drop or two of the correct type of oil, and wipe away any excess to prevent problems.

Extra Tips for Oiling Older and Vintage Sewing Machines

If you’re fortunate enough to own a classic or vintage sewing machine, it may not be possible to locate an instruction manual. Contact a professional sewing machine repair person. They may be knowledgeable about your model and willing to offer tailored tips on cleaning and oiling.

Older machines need gentle care. Use soft brushes for cleaning and thin, free-flowing oil for lubrication. Even if the machine is rusty or sluggish, don’t over-oil or use household lubricants, and don’t force rusted parts to move. Apply the standard one or two drops of oil, wipe away any excess, and test the machine.

With patience and some TLC, you can bring an older sewing machine back to its full glory.

A Properly Oiled Sewing Machine Is a Happy Sewing Machine

Oiling your sewing machine reduces friction and the damage it can cause to delicate machinery. You can count on GoldStar Tool for all the top-quality cleaning and oiling supplies you need to keep your machine running at its best. Shop our extensive selection of oils, lubricants, and other essential sewing machine supplies today.