How to Clean a Sewing Machine

👋Hi friends! To start off the new year with a fresh kick⚡, I'm doing a deep clean of my sewing studio. The first task on my list is to clean out all the lint fuzzies from my sewing machine, and it's honestly super weirdly fun!

Because I sew primarily with linen fabric, the lint builds up quickly in both my home sewing machine and my serger. I use my machines to sew clothes for my handmade clothing business Charlie Darwin Textiles, which means they are in use weekly, and I clean them out once or twice a year. You may need to do yours more or less frequently depending on the fabrics you use and the frequency that you sew.

I'll show you how I clean my sewing machine in the video below...

and then you can scroll down to find the checklist I follow for a deep clean of the entire sewing room, if you'd like to join me!

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https://youtu.be/-ShraejKzz4

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👋Pssst... You can download an interactive and printable PDF of my Sewing Studio DEEP CLEANING checklist, here!

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Sewing Studio Maintenance Checklist

Let’s get your sewing space ready for more adventure. I perform these maintenance steps on my supplies/studio at least once or twice a year to keep everything running smoothly.

All the sewing, cleaning, and maintenance supplies I use can be found right here: Charlie Darwin Textiles Tools

1. Clean your Sewing Machine ✔

Tools: screwdriver, dusting wand, tweezers, machine oil

• Unscrew and dust out the top shoulder (the thread path).

• Remove the needle plate and dust out the entire bobbin area.

• Unscrew the bottom casing and dust below the bobbin area.

• Replace your needle (if you sew a lot and haven’t done so in over a year).

• Oil the bobbin case area (only if your machine requires oiling; check your manual).

2. Clean your Serger ✔

Tools: screwdriver, dusting wand, tweezers, machine oil

• Dispose of fabric trims from the serger’s waste bin/basin.

• Remove and dust the thread/thread cone zones.

• Open up and dust the lower threading zone.

• Unscrew the plastic base and dust inside the lower portion.

• Oil the moving parts as directed in your manual.

• Check the blade for sharpness and replace it if dull.

3. Clean your Iron ✔

• Untangle the cord and check for damage.

• Clean the sole plate: Use the hottest temp with steam on and run the iron across a damp washrag several times.

  • If that doesn’t work, try this trick from one of my YouTube subscribers:

    
    

    "I use Crest Cavity Protection toothpaste to clean my iron—it’s their basic and least expensive toothpaste from Dollar Tree. Just put some on a damp washrag, rub on a warm iron, and glue from interfacing, etc., wipes away, leaving your iron minty fresh! 😂 Be careful to MAKE SURE you fold the washrag THICK enough so you don’t burn yourself on the hot iron. DO NOT ask me HOW I know this!!"

• Use your iron’s self-cleaning function to clear out mineral deposits.

• Check the steam holes and unclog any blocked ones with a toothpick or cotton swab.

4. Cleaning your Scissors ✔

• Wipe the blades clean.

• Sharpen with a sharpening tool.

• Oil the pivot screw to keep the scissors opening and closing smoothly.

5. Cleaning your Electric Rotary Cutter ✔

• Clean the blade guard and remove any lint or fabric bits.

• Oil the moving parts as recommended in the manual.

• Check the power cord for damage.

• Sharpen the blade using the instruction manual.

Manual Rotary Cutter

• Replace the blade if dull.

6. Cleaning your Sewing Space ✔

• Vacuum your sewing space to remove dust and thread bits.

• Organize your fabric stash—anything you haven’t touched all year, consider donating or offering to a friend.

• Empty/downsize your scrap bin. Discard fabric scraps smaller than 4".

• Wipe down surfaces.

• Untangle threads from your wheelie chair.

• Reorganize your tools and supplies for better efficiency.

• Order any new supplies you’ve been putting off.