# How to clean and oil a sewing machine

Source: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/blog/how-to-clean-and-oil-a-sewing-machine
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Stitch and Hem

**In short:** Switch off and unplug, remove the needle, presser foot, needle plate and bobbin, then brush lint from the feed dogs and bobbin area. Oil only if your manual says your model needs it, using sewing machine oil on the exact points it shows. Many modern machines need little or no user oiling, so check the manual before adding any.

Lint is the most common cause of a machine that sounds rough, skips stitches or stops feeding properly. A few minutes with a brush after each project keeps most domestic machines running smoothly. Oiling is a different matter: some machines need a drop in specific places, and many modern ones are designed to need little or none from the owner. This guide explains how to clean safely and how to find out whether, where and how often your machine should be oiled.

## Safety and what you need

Cleaning means putting your fingers and tools close to the needle, hook and feed dogs. Always switch off and unplug before you start, so the machine cannot start if the pedal is knocked. Work on a clear table with good light, and put small screws in a dish.

Use the tools that came with your machine where possible, such as the small brush and the needle plate screwdriver. Avoid canned air or blowing into the machine, as it pushes lint and moisture deeper inside.

- Small lint brush, often supplied with the machine
- The screwdriver that fits the needle plate screws
- Tweezers for trapped thread
- A soft dry cloth
- Sewing machine oil, only if your manual says to oil
- A new needle to fit afterwards

Note: Switch off and unplug the machine before cleaning, changing needles or opening any cover. Do not open the motor housing or casing. Motor, wiring and timing faults need a qualified sewing machine engineer.

## How to remove lint from the bobbin area

The bobbin area and feed dogs collect the most fluff, especially after sewing fleece, flannel, wadding or felt. The exact steps for removing the plate and bobbin case vary by model, so follow the cleaning section of your manual. The general method on most machines is below.

1. Switch off and unplug the machine.
2. Raise the needle to its highest point, then remove the needle and presser foot.
3. Remove the needle plate as your manual describes, often with one or two screws or a release lever.
4. Take out the bobbin and, if your manual says it lifts out, the bobbin case. Note how it sits so you can refit it the same way.
5. Brush lint from the feed dog teeth, around the hook area and the bobbin case seat. Use tweezers for trapped thread.
6. Wipe the area with a dry cloth, refit the bobbin case exactly as it came out, then the plate, foot and a new needle.
7. Turn the handwheel by hand to check everything moves freely, then sew a test seam on scrap.

## Does your sewing machine need oil?

This depends entirely on the model. Many modern domestic machines, including many computerised models, use sealed or self-lubricating parts and need little or no oiling by the owner; their manuals may say to leave oiling to a service. Others, especially mechanical machines, some front-loading hook machines and older metal machines, have specific points the manual tells you to oil.

The only reliable source is your manual. If it shows oiling points, it will mark them with arrows or diagrams. If it says nothing about oiling, or says not to oil, do not add any. Do not guess oiling points: oil in the wrong place can attract lint, stain fabric or reach parts that should stay dry. If you do not have the manual, many makers publish them on their websites, or a sewing machine engineer can advise.

## How to oil a sewing machine if your manual says to

Use **only sewing machine oil**, a light, clear oil made for the purpose. Do not use cooking oil, household multi-purpose oil, penetrating sprays or 3-in-1 style products unless your manual specifically allows it, as they can thicken or gum up over time.

Clean first, then apply oil only to the points shown in your manual, usually one small drop per point. More is not better: excess oil spreads onto thread and fabric. Run the machine slowly for a short while without thread, then sew a few lines on scrap fabric to soak up any surplus before starting a project.

| Task | When | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Brush bobbin area and feed dogs | Often, for example after each project | More often with fluffy fabrics |
| Wipe the outside | As needed | Dry or slightly damp cloth, machine unplugged |
| Change the needle | Each project or after a pin strike | Check our needle size guide |
| Oil | Only as your manual says | Sewing machine oil, marked points only |
| Professional service | As the maker or engineer advises | Sooner if noisy, stiff or skipping |

Cleaning and oiling at a glance

## Signs your machine needs attention

A machine that sounds louder or clunkier than usual, feels stiff when you turn the handwheel, skips stitches or stops feeding properly is often telling you it needs cleaning. Our guides to [a sewing machine not feeding fabric](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/blog/sewing-machine-not-feeding-fabric) and [skipping stitches](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/blog/sewing-machine-skipping-stitches) cover these symptoms.

If cleaning, a new needle and correct threading do not help, book a service with a qualified sewing machine engineer. A service typically includes internal cleaning, lubrication where needed and checks on timing and tension, which are not owner jobs. Use a fresh needle after every clean; our [needle size guide](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/tools/needle-size-guide) helps you choose one.

[See easy-care beginner machines](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-beginners)

## Keeping it clean between sessions

Cover the machine when not in use to keep dust out, and store it somewhere dry. Use good quality thread, which sheds less lint than cheap thread. If you are choosing a new machine, a top drop-in bobbin makes the bobbin area easy to reach, and many models on our list of [the best sewing machines for beginners](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-beginners) use one. Quilters who sew a lot of wadding should also look at [the best sewing machines for quilting](https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-quilting).

## Frequently asked questions

**How long does sewing machine oil last?** Sewing machine oil is a stable light oil and a small bottle lasts a long time, since only a drop or two is used per point. If the oil has become cloudy, thick or discoloured, replace it. Follow your manual for how often to oil, if at all.

**Can I use WD-40 or cooking oil on a sewing machine?** No. Use only sewing machine oil. Other products can gum up, attract lint or damage parts, unless your manual says otherwise.

**How do I clean a Janome sewing machine?** Follow the same general method: switch off and unplug, remove the needle plate and bobbin, and brush out the lint. Check your Janome manual for whether your model needs oiling and where, as this differs between models.

**How often should I clean my sewing machine?** Brush out the bobbin area often, for example after each project or every few bobbins, and more frequently with fluffy fabrics. Your manual may give a specific interval.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-beginners
- https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-sewing-machines-for-quilting
- https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/janome-sewing-machines-compared