How to lubricate a sewing machine

The longevity of old household machines is generally good, with the exception of their speed. However, this lack of speed is compensated by their enviable durability. Even if the owners were negligent in properly maintaining these machines, they can still continue to function, albeit with a slight creaking sound. Once properly lubricated, they are essentially restored to their original condition. On the other hand, modern high-speed "electric cars" are capable of doing more and working faster, but they are also prone to breaking down if their components are not regularly oiled. Let’s take a closer look at the specific nodes and parts that require lubrication and the substances that can be used for lubrication purposes.

An important stage of operation – care of the sewing machine: cleaning and lubrication

BACKGROUND. The reliability and ease of maintenance are the distinguishing features of older models equipped with mechanical drive, whether manual or foot operated.

The machine head of these models has specially designed holes for lubrication, ensuring that the machine remains airtight and protected from dust and threads. By applying a few drops of oil to each hole, the lubrication process is quickly completed. Additionally, the convenience of cleaning and handling the lower parts of the machine becomes evident when it is simply turned on its side.

Using the shuttle is also not an issue – just remove the bobbin along with the holder and continue. The only thing that users of both the "foot" and "manual" versions tend to overlook is lubricating the drive mechanisms: the point where the handle connects to the flywheel or the pedal connects to the drawbar. However, the emergence of a distinct squeak will quickly remind forgetful individuals where to apply lubrication. Electric models, on the other hand, present a slightly more intricate scenario.

How to lubricate a sewing machine

Modern technology is distinguished from traditional housing by its location and the complexity of its components. Electric sewing machines, for example, have a whole chapter dedicated to their service in the instruction manual. However, it is common for valuable books to go missing or not be translated into Russian. In such cases, a general recommendation can be helpful:

• After bringing the needle to the upper position, the machine is disconnected;
• All threads are taken off and the hook is extracted;
• You need to identify the attachment points for the top and end panels of the housing;
• Using a screwdriver, unscrew the screws (it is recommended to mark them for easier reassembly);
• The housing is detached and the assemblies are thoroughly examined.

The further steps will depend on the specific construction of the sewing machine model. During these procedures, it will be helpful to have a clean cloth, a stiff brush, and an oiler or a disposable syringe filled with oil.

Where to lubricate the sewing machine

To eliminate all contaminants that can be reached, it is necessary to use a material and a brush. Once that is done, machine oil should be applied to the moving parts. To ensure proper lubrication, it is important to spin the flywheel during the processing.

BACKGROUND. Plastic gears do not require lubrication.

The next step involves cleaning the following:

• needle plate;
• gear;
• foot;
• shuttle unit.

Once the leftover lint and dust have been eliminated, a few drops of oil are applied to lubricate the hook assembly. The rest of the components are simply brushed clean and wiped down with a dry cloth. Lastly, the sewing machine is put back together in reverse. Before putting it into use, it is advised to "test run" it on scrap fabric to ensure all residual grease is eliminated.

How to lubricate the sewing machine

For this purpose, it is suggested to utilize household machine oil. It possesses the appropriate viscosity to permeate tightly adhered components. Another benefit is that this substance has a prolonged drying time, making it suitable for lubricating prior to "conservation" (for long-term storage). Most importantly, even if you use a bit too much, any excess on the fabric can be easily eliminated.

BACKGROUND. Experienced sewers, particularly those who frequently employ mechanical machines, may occasionally recommend kerosene or vegetable oil as an alternative. However, this alternative is only suitable for a one-time application and should only be used on constantly functioning sewing machines with a mechanical drive (electric machines should not be subjected to this abuse – they will not hold up).

The use of these substances serves as an emergency solution when there is an immediate need for lubrication and no household oil is readily available. The reason for this lies in the tendency of vegetable oil to dry out, a process that occurs more rapidly when exposed to heat. Consequently, using it in sewing machines with electric drives is strictly prohibited as the high speeds generate heat in the machine’s components. Additionally, vegetable oil has a knack for attracting and retaining dust. However, this issue goes beyond mere aesthetics as the dirt can damage the machine’s components, leading to wear and breakage. On the other hand, kerosene is too runny to provide a long-lasting lubricating effect and using it may result in rust if the sewing machine is left unattended. In fact, if left in long-term storage, the machine may even fail completely. If you find yourself without household machine oil and are unable to purchase it for any reason, the most logical option would be to approach a car owner. They typically have a bottle with the SAE marking in their garage, making it relatively easy to obtain. The digits that follow this label indicate the oil’s viscosity.

BACKGROUND: To achieve optimal performance, it is recommended to use SAE-10W or SAE15W oil for a sewing machine as they have a relatively low viscosity. Even if the labeling on the oil bottle differs from the recommended standards, it is still preferable to avoid using unconventional options such as vegetable oil or kerosene.

How often you should lubricate your sewing machine

There is no universal advice on this matter, as it largely depends on how frequently the machine is used. Typically, an active user can determine the need for lubrication based on the machine’s performance – if the strokes become tighter or if there are any unusual sounds.

For beginners in sewing, the manufacturer recommends performing maintenance every quarter. However, if the machine is used daily and under heavy load, it is recommended to lubricate it on a monthly basis. In the case where the machine is used 1-2 times a week and for no more than a couple of hours, lubricating it twice a year should be sufficient.