How often do you clean your machines?

**nuisance26** · 05-17-2010, 09:14 AM

~I still haven't learned my lesson about replacing my needles before they break so I had to spend 30 minutes yesterday dislodging a broken needle and wad of bunched up fabric from under my serger presser foot. While I was in there I realized how linty and yucky my machine looked inside so I spent a quick 5 minutes cleaning it up. Maybe I should do that regularly too.

Do any of you follow a maintenance schedule or have a system for this kind of stuff? I need to have something in place to remember so I don't end up with an accidental acupuncture treatment when the needle bits go flying!~

**Liane** · 05-17-2010, 10:43 AM

How do you like your serger? I have a regular machine and I think sergers look like you can do a lot with them. When they have them on QVC I drool over them. As for cleaning, I keep my machine in a bag or covered and I have only had it a few months. Now I want to pull it out and see how dirty it is. I broke a needle too and have to replace it.

**stinkbug** · 05-17-2010, 10:53 AM

I usually check for lint when I change the bobbin. And I clean out the bobbin case after a big project (quilt) and several times if I am working with flannel!

**Brat** · 05-17-2010, 10:59 AM

I clean mine of lint every time I change the bobbin but only change the needle and oil it before I start a new project.

**mauimagic** · 05-17-2010, 11:26 PM

I have my machine professionally serviced once a year.
Usually once a week if I am doing a lot of sewing, I'll delint it in every area I can reach with the little brush.

**pat in east texas** · 05-18-2010, 09:13 PM

I have a soft bristled artist's brush with pretty long bristles that I use whenever I stop sewing for the day. It catches the lint and keeps things running smoothly. The little brushed you get with the sewing machine don't do much; you need the longer bristles

**frugalfranny** · 05-19-2010, 01:08 AM

Originally Posted by stinkbug

I usually check for lint when I change the bobbin. And I clean out the bobbin case after a big project (quilt) and several times if I am working with flannel!

I do about the same. If sewing with flannel I will take the bobbin part out and clean it really good around the area.

I am really bad about the needle thing. Have broken a few, myself, by being so sloppy!

**nuisance26** · 05-19-2010, 09:02 AM

~Ok, for now I've decided to keep a small notebook by my machines and log the hours of use on my needles. I rarely sew a big project(like a dress)straight through without other small projects in between so I don't think changing between projects would work for me. I also sew in spurts of many hours one week and nothing for a couple of weeks so a calendar schedule for changing wouldn't work for me either.
Now I just have to figure out how many hours needles can take before they're too dull to use. Maybe in the 4-7 range?~

**nuisance26** · 08-14-2010, 06:10 AM

~I'm cleaning my machines today. Apparently I only do this every three months.

~

**tervsforme** · 08-14-2010, 08:50 AM

Well, I don't do it hardly ever. Yikes! I did take my embroidery machine in to be cleaned and stuff, the shop I got it had a coupon and it was only $40. I have had the machine for 3 years so I figured I would get it done so I don't have to worry about it when I start doing all my embroidery for Christmas stuff, etc.

My regular sewing machine, I don't do much to. I am going to have to look into that today. I always forget to change my needles. I was told to change them every time you start a big project. I am a fairly new sewing so I forget these things! LOL I should make myself a sticky note to put by my machine!

Great reminders, thanks all!

**mauimagic** · 08-15-2010, 06:29 PM

I change my needles usually only when I am changing the fabric that requires a different size needle. Probably should change them more often, but I am cheap and have yet to ruin any project because of it!!