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Any
repairs that need to be done on your sewing machine should be left to your
service center, but you can do regular cleaning and maintenance which will
prevent major problems from developing . If you use your sewing
machine everyday, then it should be cleaned once a week. A general
rule of thumb is for a sewing machine to be cleaned every 8 hours of use.
In the area
directly below the needle, you will want to clean with a soft artist
brush. This is where the bobbin is. If you have screws on the
feed plate, you will want to unscrew them and clean under it. Clear
the lint and dust that will be trapped under the plate area and in the
feed dogs. Remove the bobbin case and clean the case and the shuttle.
Clean all around that area.
Never use metal
to clean tiny area. Using pins or needles to get into tiny places
will only create burrs, which are tiny pieces of metal that will create
greater problems later. Use a wooden object like a bamboo chop stick
to get into those places.
ONLY use
recommended oil for sewing machines that you can find at your local sewing
store. NEVER oil the motor of your machine. Before oiling your machine
parts, make sure that your machine isn't the self-lubricating type. Check
with your owners manual. If you don't have one or can't find it,
remember, a good way to determine which part of the machine to oil is to
put the machine on its widest zigzag and longest stitch and hand turn the
wheel forward. Any part that moves needs to be oiled. The
machine should be oiled when the uptake is in the highest position. Put
a new needle in your machine.
After oiling your machine
and adding a new needle, sew on some scrap fabric for awhile so excess
oil can be picked up on the scrap fabric. The entire machine should
be rubbed down with a soft cloth or cotton ball and rubbing alcohol to
remove any dirt or oil.
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