How to Clean Oil From Antique Sewing Machines

Some antique sewing machines were built into pieces of furniture.

Modern sewing machines run on electricity. They do not have manual cranks or manual bobbin winders. These features on antique sewing machines need to be oiled in order to keep them moving smoothly. The downfall in this is that the oil can get on other parts of the sewing machine while being applied, and you must clean it off in order to ensure it does not transfer onto anything you are sewing.

Things You'll Need

• 4 rags
• Spray cleaner/degreaser

Instructions

1. Examine the sewing machine, and find any oil that has dripped onto the machine.

2. Wipe any of the built-up oil off with a clean and dry rag.

3. Spray a cleaner/degreaser like Windex or Formula 401 onto a rag.

4. Buff away the remaining oil with the rag.

5. Cleanse away the cleaner and any residual oil with a damp rag. Then dry the damp areas with a clean rag.

References

• Sewing Machine Repair: Antique Sewing Machine Repair