Sewing machines run fast, with lots of metal parts rubbing together, so a little oil makes a big difference to noise and wear. The catch is that fabric picks up any excess oil, so the oil needs to be clear, light and odourless, and you use very little of it.
First: does your machine need oil?
Check the manual. Many modern computerised machines are factory-lubricated and sealed, and the maker says not to oil them at home. Mechanical machines, older models and most industrial machines need regular oiling at specific points.
Which oil
Use a clear, odourless, light oil. Ballistol H1 Food Oil is a colourless, odourless white oil that is used in textile production for sewing machine and needle lubrication, and it doesn't leave the yellowish marks a darker oil can. Avoid household multi-purpose sprays and cooking oils, which can stain, go sticky or attract lint.
How to oil it
- Unplug the machine.
- Remove the needle, presser foot, needle plate and bobbin case, following your manual.
- Clean out lint from the bobbin area and feed dogs with a small brush. Don't blow into it, which pushes lint deeper and adds moisture.
- Oil each point the manual marks, usually the hook race (where the bobbin case sits), the needle bar and moving joints under the top cover. One drop per point.
- Run the machine without thread for a minute to spread the oil.
- Wipe away any visible excess and sew a few lines on scrap fabric to catch any drips before you start your project.
How often
For a home mechanical machine, every eight to ten hours of sewing, or whenever it starts to sound louder or run rough. Industrial machines often need oiling daily, following the maker's schedule.
Old and vintage machines
Machines that have stood for years often have old oil gone hard and gummy. Several rounds of oil, running the machine and wiping, will usually free them. Ballistol Universal Oil creeps into stiff joints well for this first loosening job on the mechanism, but finish with a clear oil and run scrap fabric through before sewing anything that matters.
