by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: February 16, 2007   Last Updated: April 12, 2007

Forget to clean, and your sewing machine will be toast in no time!

Your sewing machine can last for many years - even decades - if you take care of it. Keep it in good working condition, and it will serve you well. (My mother still has her first sewing machine, on which she learned to sew in 1945. It doesn't have lots of fancy stitches, but it works!)

The most important thing is this: USE QUALITY THREAD. Cheap thread is no bargain, as it can destroy your machine. Sewing machines can be costly, particularly if you opted for extra stitches or embroidery capabilities. It's important to protect your investment.

Every time you sew, you will want to remove the threads from the machine and blow out any dust or fabric-lint that may be stuck in the thread housings. (Most sewing machines come with a little cleaning brush.)

Sewing stores offer specific oil for maintaining your sewing machine. (It is clear and comes in a special bottle for simple application.) Look in your manual, if you are not sure which parts to oil. Sew on a scrap afterwards, to prevent leakage on quality fabrics.

While you are at the sewing store, it might be a good idea to pick up some new bobbins and needles. These need to be replaced fairly often, to prevent tangling threads and unnecessary friction inside the machine.

When you vacuum your sewing room each week, you can use your tapered vacuum attachment to clean the bobbin-well and the thread housings. Use a screwdriver to remove the stitching plate, so you can vacuum inside the machine.(Be sure to unplug your sewing machine before vacuuming it!

It is important to keep the entire sewing surface as clutter- and dust-free as possible. A lot of lint and threads can accumulate in the sewing area, and these can do a number on your machine.

Keep your machine covered when you are not using it, if possible. This will minimize wear-and-tear and dust damage.

Be sure to check your cords regularly. Make sure they are connected properly (to your machine and to your power outlets. (A surge protector is a wonderful idea - as an electrical storm could fry your expensive machine!)

At least once a year, you will want to have your sewing machine professionally cleaned and serviced. The technician will adjust tensions, tighten screws, and replace any worn-out parts. Look in THE YELLOW PAGES for sewing machine repair services, or check with your local fabric or sewing store. (Joann Fabrics and other fabric merchants often have regular in-store repair schedules.) A basic tune-up is usually less than $100, unless you have a computerized machine requiring more complex service.

Keep your manual. If you run into problems, you will find helpful information in the TROUBLESHOOTING section. Also, this will contain a toll-free number for technical assistance, if you need it someday.

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