Clean Your Sewing Machine In 8 Simple Steps – And Expert Tips!
Clean your sewing machine with confidence using my step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Learn which tools are useful and get expert advice along the way!
Your sewing machine should be cleaned regularly even if you don’t sew every day. Dust and lint accumulates which affects the functionality and mechanics. If you are having to adjust settings, your thread is breaking, or your stitches are just not looking right try this simple cleaning routine.
Think Your Sewing Machine Doesn’t Need Cleaning?
Think again. Check out all that lint and fuzz! This accumulated in just a few days of regular use for me. Just imagine what we will find after months. Let’s get started!
Pro Tip: Polyester thread is cleaner and creates less lint.
The Tools Required
You don’t need a lot of tools to clean a sewing machine, but having the right ones makes a huge difference. I have linked to some different options depending on what you would prefer. Read through the steps to find the right combination for you.
The tools required are:
- a soft cloth
- a small brush with stiff bristles (the kind that probably came with your machine)
- a small screwdriver for removing the needle and stitch plate screws (if any)
- machine oil
Pro Tip: a Mini-Vacuum
I used to use canned air to dust my sewing machines, and while that may be okay for mechanical machines, it is absolutely not recommended for electronic sewing machines. I have switched to using a USB mini vacuum and feel so much better about it!
The mini vacuum I use is no longer available on Amazon, but it’s small enough to keep in a drawer right by my machine. You will need something small enough to get into the crevices under the stitch plate, and it doesn’t have to be super powerful.
Step 1: Remove the Spool of Thread
Pro Tip: Remove the thread by pulling it out the same direction that it goes through the machine.
Don’t pull the thread out from the top when changing or removing a spool of thread. To keep the delicate thread path working correctly, cut the thread near the spool. Then, grab the thread in front of the needle and pull it out from the bottom.
Repeatedly pulling the thread out backward from the spool can cause lint to build up or damage the springs or tension disks. Play it safe by removing the thread from the bottom.
Step 2: Dust Your Machine
After removing the thread, give your sewing machine a good dusting with the soft cloth. You could dampen the cloth with mild cleaner, but I usually don’t find that necessary.
Step 3: Remove the Needle, Presser Foot, and Stitch Plate
Pro Tip: Now is a good time to throw away your old needle, and replace it with a fresh one.
Remove the needle first. There is a screw that holds it into place on the shaft. Pull it straight down and then angle it out.
Remove the presser foot next. Remove the presser foot at the shaft (indicated in the photo above) to give you the most clearance.
Remove the stitch plate. Some stitch plates pop off with the push of a button, but most require removing a screw or two. You can clearly see the screws so no need to go hunting. Put the screws in a safe place where they won’t get knocked down accidentally.
Step 4: Dust the Bobbin
Pro Tip: If you’re not confident yet, take a photo of how your bobbin case goes in so you can replace it properly.
Remove the bobbin case from the machine. Side loading bobbin cases are usually held in with two plastic knobs while drop in bobbin cases can just be carefully lifted out.
Remove the bobbin and give the case a good dusting. There are a fair amount of nooks and crannies for dust and lint to build up. Make-up brushes pick up the fine dust very well.
Step 5: Vacuum the Machine
Pro Tip: Don’t use canned air!
Start with the mini vacuum and go after all the lint and dust bunnies under the stitch plate and bobbin case. You’ll know the situation is dire when the buildup is so bad it looks like felt!
Step 6: Use Bristle Brush for Hard-to-Reach Places
Pro Tip: It’s okay to really get down in there. While sewing machines are fine tuned, you won’t break anything by using a long brush to reach the lint.
The mini-vacuum cannot reach all the tight spots. Use a stiff bristle brush to reach everywhere. Run the brush though every open nook just to be sure you get as much as possible.
Vacuum one more time after loosening the extra dust.
Step 7: Oil If Needed
Pro Tip: Not every machine needs oil, and some machines need oil more often.
Check your sewing machine’s owner’s manual to see if you need to oil it. If so, it will show you the right spots. Several electronic sewing machines do not require oil.
Step 8: Reassemble!
Replace the bobbin case. There is only one way that it fits properly in your machine. Use the photo you took earlier if you need a bit of help.
Replace the stitch plate. It should sit perfectly and not move. If you pushed the feed dogs down (the spiky bits that feed the fabric as you sew) reset them.
Replace the presser foot and install a new needle. You’re good to go!
How Often Should a Sewing Machine Be Cleaned?
If sewing a lot with cotton thread, try following these steps every two weeks. Someone who doesn’t sew every day might not need to clean their sewing machine this often, but it’s recommended to run this list at least once a month.
More from SewCanShe:
Buy the Best Serger for Your Money in 2025
Organize Your Fabric And Scraps
The 7 Best Sewing Machines for a Beginner
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂