How to Clean Dust and Grime From the Decals of an Antique Sewing Machine

Clean your antique sewing machine carefully to maintain its decorative surface.

Antique sewing machines are adorned with decals and require delicate cleaning to remove accumulated dust and grime. Improper cleaning with abrasive cleaning agents or tools can result in permanently scratching the sewing machine's surface or removing the paint from the decals. A thorough cleaning of the antique sewing machine ensures the machine is able to perform as expected, and preserves the condition of the machine for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• 2 soft cotton cloths
• Soft-bristled paintbrush
• Canned, compressed air
• Sewing machine cleaning fluid

Instructions

1. Wipe down loose dirt and grime from the sewing machine's surface with a soft cotton cleaning cloth or a soft-bristled paintbrush.

2. Use canned compressed air to blast dust from hard-to-reach spots on the machine.

3. Pour three to four drops of sewing machine cleaning fluid onto a new cleaning cloth and gently wipe down the sewing machine. Sewing machine cleaning fluid is available at craft and sewing stores, and is formulated specifically for cleaning the outer shell of the sewing machine. Avoid liquid soaps or detergents to clean the surface as they can dull the machine's finish and damage the machine's decals.

4. Wipe the fluid-soaked cleaning cloth in a clockwise motion on the decal area of the sewing machine to lift off grime without streaking the decal with the cleaning fluid.

5. Clean off excess cleaning fluid with a dry, soft cloth to prevent cleaning fluid stains.

References

• New Mexico State University: Sewing Machine Maintenance; Susan Wright, et al.; May 2006;
• "The Sewing Book"; Alison Smith; April 2009