No matter how much you use it, your sewing machine is a tool that is helping you to do a job. Just like any other tool, your sewing machine needs to be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis in order to keep it running at peak effectiveness. You can do most of the maintenance work yourself- and it doesn’t take long at all!
Here are some tips for taking care of your sewing machine, all of which you can do yourself:
- Service your machine annually. This means thoroughly going through and making sure that it is clean and in good operation. Some disassembly is required, which is why you will need your instruction manual!
- Conduct mini tune-ups yourself throughout the year.
- Use cans of compressed air to give yourself a quick and effective way to remove dust and list from the nooks and crannies of your machine.
- Use a small lint brush (or a makeup brush as an alternative) to gently brush away list and dust that has accumulated or stuck.
- Make sure that you clean the lint out of the feed dogs regularly.
- Make sure to consult your instruction manual before you oil any part of your machine. Some modern options do not need it. Should you need to oil your machine, a single drop on the moving parts will do– so do not overdo it.
- Always swap in a fresh needle when starting a new project, or anytime that the needle gets damaged.
- Make sure to cover your machine when it is not in use!
- Last of all, make sure that you store your sewing machine in a cool dry place when you are not using it, so that it will remain in optimal shape for you.
Your sewing machine will be able to perform better if you take care of it on a regular basis. You can think of it this way: Take care of your sewing machine, and it will take care of you!