Clean an Antique Sewing Machine
Antique sewing machines remain widely available in thrift stores, antique shops and your grandmother's attic. Many of these machines will run smoothly for years to come with nothing more than a thorough cleaning to remove old oil residue and get the gears spinning. The basics of cleaning an antique sewing machine are the same whether you are working on a treadle, hand crank or electric sewing machine.
Instructions
1. Wipe down the outside of the sewing machine with a clean, barely damp cloth. Remove any visible dust, debris or spiderwebs before you open up the sewing machine. However, save proper cleaning and polishing for the last step in cleaning vintage sewing machines, not the first.
2. Examine the sewing machine. Take careful note of the position of any screws. Refer to the manual to make this process easier if one is available.
3. Locate the screws on the top of your antique sewing machine. Remove the screws and lift away the top panel of the machine, revealing the gears and workings. Use tweezers to remove small beads of old oil, bits of dust and thread. Clean all of the gears with a rag dampened with kerosene or spray lubricant, then wipe away all kerosene residue with a clean cloth. Apply a single drop of oil along moving parts of the machine, or where indicated by your sewing machine manual. Replace the top of the sewing machine, screwing each screw back into place.
4. Open the side of the machine where the needle workings are located, either via the hinged panel or by removing screws as necessary. Clean out dust and thread, then clean any old grease from the mechanisms as you did on the top of the machine. Oil all moving parts and then close the needle assembly.
5. Lift out the bobbin and bobbin case, if you are working with a side mount bobbin in the antique sewing machine. Remove the needle plate. Work with a small brush and tweezers to remove all thread and debris. Clean carefully, as this is quite often the dirtiest part of an antique sewing machine. Replace all parts.
6. Turn the sewing machine over. Clean the gears on the underside and apply oil.
7. Use a clean rag and diluted all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the outside of the sewing machine. Take a small, soft brush to crevices as necessary. Polish your antique sewing machine with a small amount of mineral oil or carnuba wax, especially if you are cleaning a machine with a classic black finish.
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