Like any household appliance, your sewing machine requires regular maintenance to keep it up and running. For some sewing machines, that maintenance might include adding a few drops of oil to ensure your machine runs smoothly. In this post, we'll walk you through everything you should know about oiling a sewing machine, including where to oil it, how much and what type of oil to use, and whether or not you should oil your sewing machine at all.
HOW TO OIL A SEWING MACHINE
Do I Need To Oil My Sewing Machine?
You may have heard that oil helps keep a sewing machine running, and it's true—all sewing machines require some form of lubrication to run smoothly. However, manufacturers actually recommend against oiling some sewing machines on your own. Many modern domestic sewing machines are self-lubricating and internally sealed, meaning they don't need to be oiled frequently, and the process of doing so is often too challenging for the average person. Consult your sewing machine manual to learn if your specific machine requires oiling as part of your regular, at-home maintenance—chances are, it may be recommended to leave the oil to the professionals. If this is the case, bring your sewing machine to a dealer or repair shop about once a year for regular servicing (actually, this is a good idea no matter what sewing machine you have!). A repair person can determine if your sewing machine needs oil and take care of the more intricate process of lubricating it if necessary.
Why Should You Oil a Sewing Machine?
If your sewing machine's manual recommends oiling during regular maintenance, periodically cleaning and oiling your machine will go a long way toward keeping it in top shape. Oiling your sewing machine can help extend the life of the machine by reducing friction, which helps to prevent wear and tear from metal parts grinding against each other. It also aids in rust prevention and allows the parts to move freely, ensuring that all of the internal mechanisms can move smoothly, even at high speeds. With a bit of cleaning, oil, and regular servicing, you can get the most out of your sewing machine's performance.
How Often Should You Oil Your Sewing Machine?
How often you clean and oil your machine depends on how frequently you use your machine and the types of materials you work with. If you sew very frequently, use your machine to embroider, or work with fabrics that shed (like velvet), you'll need to clean and oil your machine more frequently than someone who sews every once in a while. In general, it's a good idea to clean and oil your machine after every project, every 3-4 bobbin changes, or when you notice any signs that the machine needs oiling.
Materials You'll Need:
Before we get started, there are a few essential items you'll need to properly clean and oil your sewing machine:
Be sure to use only oil that's intended for sewing machines, like our WAWAK Sewing Machine Oil. Oils not formulated for use in sewing machines can thicken or leave behind residue that is damaging to the internal mechanisms, and can stain any fabrics run through the machine.
Choose an oil bottle with a narrow spout or fine-pointed tip to reach into tight corners.
3. Cleaning Brush & Cloth
You'll want to clean out your machine before you apply any oil; a soft cloth (like a microfiber cloth) and a small brush help remove lint, threads, fibers, and excess oil. This sewing machine cleaning brush features a pipe cleaner end to help get into tight areas like the tension discs and around the bobbin case.
3. Screwdriver
You may need a small screwdriver to remove certain parts of the sewing machine (like the needle plate) to access areas requiring maintenance. In a pinch, a coin might also work.
How to Oil a Sewing Machine Step-By-Step
1. Safety First! Turn Everything Off
Always turn off and unplug your sewing machine before cleaning and oiling it. Remove the needle and set it aside for your safety and easier access to the needle plate.
2. Prepare Your Machine
Remove the presser foot and needle plate to access the internal parts that need oiling. Check your sewing machine's manual for specific instructions on how to remove these parts.
3. Give It A Good Clean
Before you oil your machine, take the opportunity to clear out any built-up fibers or thread, paying special attention to the tension discs, needle guide, bobbin case, and under the needle plate, including the feed dogs. Use a soft brush or a pipe cleaner to remove any lint or debris, and wipe down the body of the machine with a soft cloth.
4. Identify the Oiling Points
Consult your sewing machine manual to see exactly where to apply the oil. Often, the oiling points will appear as small holes on the outside of the machine, sometimes marked with red dots. Your sewing machine may also feature a small hole or wick in the bottom of the bobbin case to add oil. If you have an industrial sewing machine, it may feature an oil reservoir, generally found on the top of the machine. Only apply oil in the places specified by your sewing machine manual. If you don't have a physical copy of the manual, they are often available online.
5. Apply The Oil
Using a high-quality sewing machine oil, apply a drop or two of oil to each area specified by the manual. Be careful not to add too much; for most oiling points, only a few drops should be necessary. If you have an industrial sewing machine with an oil reservoir, pour the oil into the reservoir, filling it to the level specified by your manual. After applying oil to all necessary points, wipe away any excess oil, reinstall all the removed machine parts, and turn the hand crank a few times to get things moving. Stitch a few lines on scrap fabric to make sure excess oil isn't staining the fabric, and you're finished.
Now that you know how to give your machine the TLC it needs, shop for sewing machine oil at WAWAK—your machine will thank you later!
