Featherweight Tip of the Month

[@michelepotter6425]

I’ve got an Elna (vintage green in a metal box that becomes a sewing bed) and the manual specifies holes for oil and holes for kerosene. I’m so glad I found this video! I’ve been scared to put it in because I wasn’t sure if our kerosene was what they meant! Thanks for explaining the type of kerosene that’s safe for sewing machines.

[@canlelola]

Urg, I have been looking for a video like this. Thank you.

[@novamontgomery5374]

You are welcome! My website (novamontgomery.com) has a wealth of information about Singer Featherweight 221's. Make it your first resource for trustworthy information.

[@TheTonialadd]

I’m glad I found this video. People in the group I’m in have recommended cleaning the machines with kerosene, but no one has explained how, or suggested the type of kerosene to use. I was actually thinking of getting the kerosene from the gas station. Glad I saw this first! A lot of people have suggested soaking the machine in a tub of kerosene but again, never explain how???

[@novamontgomery5374]

I do not recommend soaking in a tub of kerosene unless the machine has been submerged in water.

[@drmichaelelinski6992]

Hi, I am so glad you made a clear statement about the important use of kerosene to clean Featherweights. Thank you for all your helpful videos.

[@rpolisher]

Hello. Like everyone else, I want to THANK YOU for posting this video. I am embarking on cleaning a vintage 230 Pfaff, and the service manual tells you to clean the machine with kerosene, but it doesn't show how. I would love it if you would post a video showing the actual process that you use to clean inside the machine. The Pfaff's were sprayed with a mixture of vaseline oil and gasoline to protect them from tropical climates when being shipped overseas, and over time the mixture turns into shellac (or varnish?). It directs you to 'wash the substance out of the bearings with cleaning fluid while running the machine. Sadly, I'm not sure what this means. I saw a video restoration of one where the man says he 'soaked it' in kerosene, but I'm not sure what that means either. If you have insight into this, I'd LOVE to hear it. Thanks again for the concise information.

[@alyssapeters6271]

Thank you for the information . Do you have someone video demonstrating how to clean with kerosene? What products to use to clean with, etc.

[@novamontgomery5374]

HI, Alyssa, You will find a wealth of knowledge on my website (novamontgomery.com) about your Singer Featherweight. The Tip of the Month on the website goes back for over a decade! You will also find products for your machine in my online SHOP on the website. One of those products is Nova's Featherweight Maintenance Card. It will guide you in every point of maintenance for your machine. You will also find syringes with blunt tips for applying kerosene and sewing machine oil in the oil holes of the machine. For cleaning the gears on the machine, you can wet them with kerosene from the syringe, then clean with a gear cleaning brush (also available on the website). Remove large chunks of old debris, and general clean up with paper towels. Cotton swabs are also very useful, but you do not want them on the gears of the machine.

[@user-cl1vj5xy4q]

I just bought a Featherweight .I am looking forward to using it.

[@novamontgomery5374]

Carolyn Samson You are going to LOVE your machine!

[@user-cl1vj5xy4q]

Nova Montgomery I have been wanting one a long time now. My fiance bought it for me for an early Christmas present. I own over 70 sewing machines. I plan on trying your motor lubricant and enjoy looking around your site. I wish your classes were closer to me. So with the kerosene you just clean the metal parts on machines? Thanks for responding.

[@novamontgomery5374]

Yes, kerosene is for cleaning the mechanical parts of the sewing machine. You never want to use it on plastic or nylon parts.

[@patriciapflum6898]

The Coleman kerosene fuel pictured here indicates on the package that it can be used for tiki torches, hurricane lamps, etc. So in this case, the advice may have been accurate, unless there is a tiki torch fuel that is not kerosene, but something else. Kerosene is a fuel but not all fuels are kerosene.

[@novamontgomery5374]

That is correct. Products specifically labeled tiki torch fuel typically have citronella.

[@gladtidings4all]

Thanks! Finally I know how to clean that “gummy” feel off my 1951 201-2 singer! Running to Walmart now!!!

[@novamontgomery5374]

Be careful NOT to purchase Crown brand kerosene. It, evidently, has a corrosive agent in it.

[@gladtidings4all]

Nova Montgomery thanks! I didn’t find the Coleman brand. So I had to order it online

[@alexanderbel1953]

And what is best , for the beautiful painted parts of these machines ?would this ( K ) if wiped off quickly ?

[@novamontgomery5374]

Kerosene is good for removing tape residue, etc. from the painted parts of the machine, but I would not use it all over. I typically use automotive products. You will find all the products and how to use them detailed on Nova's Featherweight Cosmetics Card which is available through my online Shop on the web site: www.novamontgomery.com

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Hi Nova... For a machine where the clear coat is 'alligatoring" is there a cure for that outside of removal/refinishing the complete machine? Would like to preserve the original decals if possible. Thanks in advance!

[@novamontgomery5374]

No "cure", but rubbing sewing machine oil into the finish helps a lot.

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Thank you

[@novamontgomery5374]

You are welcome!!

[@biomedlib]

Thank you for posting this tutorial....I'm certain you saved several people from injuring them selves....can I use Kerosene to clean my Singer 290C? (c.1984-1986)

[@novamontgomery5374]

+biomedlib I'm not familiar with that model. However, you can use kerosene to clean metal mechanical parts. Never use it on plastic, rubber or nylon parts.

[@lesleyr.4173]

When you are using the kerosene, do you wear some kind of protection to keep the kerosene from your skin?

[@novamontgomery5374]

Nova Montgomery Sat, Aug 10, 9:29 PM (3 days ago) to KZbin I do not. I use syringes (they are available on my website ) and have very little contact with kerosive on my skin. Of course, if you are very sensitive, you could wear gloves to protect your skin.

[@mamasaidsew4843]

I have a Necchi Nora and the manual suggests Kerosene as well. Do I just dip a toothbrush in the Kerosene and brush on joints or what?

[@novamontgomery5374]

I do not have any knowledge about your Necchi, but what I recommend for the Singer Featherweight is to use a syringe filled with kerosene and put a drop or two into each oil hole, etc.

[@kaygibbs8639]

Never used Kerosene before. What about the vapors? Can I use kerosene indoors to clean my machine? How do I safely store this product? Thanks for sourcing your info.

[@novamontgomery5374]

+kay gibbs There are vapors. Always use in a well ventilated area. I clean machines all day long in my home. It airs out very quickly. This is also what I use in all my workshops across the nation. The label says to store in a cool dry place. I store mine in my garage (nowhere near a hot water heater!) here in Texas year round and have never experienced a problem. As always, used good common sense and caution when storing any type of flammable liquid. But, kerosene is nowhere near as combustible as other products can be. The history of this is extremely interesting to me. Kerosene was first refined to use in lamps to light American homes. John Rockefeller "standardized" the product and created Standard Oil Company to refine kerosene. Gasoline was a byproduct that there was no use for. It was waste. The combustible engine was invented to use the waste.

[@roanhielkema5714]

Kerosene is completely safe to use in your house, as long as you keep it way from open flames and (dubious) electrical outlets and appliances (basically, anything that can produce a very hot spark). it was used for ages and still is used as a lighting, heating and cooking fuel. It's relatively non-toxic (but I wouldn't consume it and please do keep it where kids can't reach it) as opposed to lamp-oil (which is very dangerous) and although it has a pungent smell (which some weird people like me actually like) both as a fuel and when burned. It's something you can get used to but it won't hurt to open a window or do your cleaning (and filling of any kerosene burner) outside if you dislike the smell. You can put all dirty kerosene in a jerrycan and use it to light bbq's and campfires, or dispose of it as chemical waste. DO NOT flush it down the drain as Kerosene is dangerous to aquatic wildlife. Also, DO NOT burn dirty kerosene in lamps and heaters and such, it will ruin your wicks and soot up the thing worse than burning a rubber tire. I've made that mistake once in a lam and it didn't like it one bit.

[@ddeetaurus]

Can I also use this on cleaning a 401A?

[@novamontgomery5374]

Dorothy Shilow I am not familiar with the 401. Kerosene can be used to clean all metal parts. Never use it on plastic, nylon, rubber, etc.

[@dankthompson]

Is there a shelf life to this type of Kerosene? Bought my kerosene at ace hardware. I had to get the larger bottle as they didnt carry the smaller Coleman brand.

[@novamontgomery5374]

There is not a shelf life that I am aware of.

[@dankthompson]

@@novamontgomery5374 thanks for the responce.. btw how long have you had your bottle? Lol

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Hello again! OK so the Singer bug has bitten me ! When using the kerosene inside the machine to degunk gears, etc do you just allow a day or so for it to evaporate before oiling and re-greasing? Also on a Singer 301 with a motor lube tube, do you know the process to clean that tube or just add new motor lube? Thanks again so much!

[@novamontgomery5374]

If you are constantly rotating the hand wheel after applying the kerosene, you are working it down through the mechanism. Therefore, there i no need to wait to reapply oil and lubricant. If you are using Nova's Motor Lubricant (chemist and research lab tested), the application process will displace the old lubricant from within the grease tube.

[@shirleyann6954]

When cleaning reachable 'shafts'/areas, remove the covers, such as the ones for the needle and the pressure foots innards, I use about 12" of white chalk line, fold it in half, dip it into some kerosene quickly so as not to get so much it is dripping, and remove it. I then put the string around the shaft (you may need a set of long tweezers and/or hemostats), cross the two sides into an "x" pattern, put one end in each hand and pull each side back and forth over the other side. This will allow almost a circular pattern on the shaft pieces and remove the sticky gunk. Allow it to air dry. Place one drop of oil in the places your manual indicates, replace the covers, adjust any area as needed and you're ready to go. Thank you Nova for all the knowledge you share with your "Sewing Friends". You are a valuable helper.