How to Clean a Sewing Machine and Lots More! Free course on sewing machine repair 2 of 5

Join me as we get acquainted with this sewing machine. The first step in repairing any sewing machine is cleaning it. This allows you to get to know the machine and look over it for any obvious issues. I will go through the process I use to clean sewing machines at my shop.
Thanks again to Patreon Master Mechanic Jean for assisting with making the video better! I wish I had the time to implement all the suggestions you gave me.
Links for Service Manuals
kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHSYYpiGppWEba8
www.manualslib.com/
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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible. Check out my Etsy store!
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[@user-ce2yc4no1f]

I'm a retired engineer. I am an expert in a bunch of fields. I would use compressed air. I've never experienced "static issues". Ground it if that is your concern. Components we don't use compressed air - "when you can blow abrasives into tight spots". (Usually around grinding machines- not machines that deal with soft fabrics). Oh - grease - "urea based grease" and Tectyl 900 (I used to work for the company. I am a lube expert too.)

[@linda.brotherton1689]

You are wonderful to teach us who to fix our troubles. I live in a nursing home and there' re not any repair guys very near us.❤

[@redserpent]

The case against blowing. I have worked as an Electronic technician since 1975. With electronic components such as memory, microprocessors or any integrated circuits, especially before 2010s is easy to damage them due to the static electricity produced by fast moving air without proper grounding. I did plenty of those repairs. Usually when someone with a enthusiastic attitude and a can of dust free spray can they just have bought at Radio Shack. Good video and excellent subject. I just bought a Brother ST371HD, am a total newbie at sewing.

[@elliebelle5315]

I have owned this exact same machine for over 25 years, and it still works like it's new, even though it easily has thousands of hours on it. I used to sew for a living. Thank you for this video, I've looked everywhere for a good demo on taking the housing apart, cleaning and oiling the machine.

[@susang1952]

I did clean mine like this, but now some of my buttons do not work. I can’t change some of the settings.

[@MarcyStuart]

I've worked as a sewing machine operator in 2 different factories. The factories I've worked for used compressed air to clean the machines several times a week. We just had to be careful not to let the compressed air hit the pool of machine oil underneath the machine or we'd have a huge mess to clean up.

[@Thrillrider10]

This channel has helped me a lot in maintaining my own machines. I have three machines, not including my sergers: a Singer Scholastic 5523, a Necchi 537L, and a Viking 6430. All three of them are sewing beautifully because of help from this channel. Thank you for uploading.

[@brettster3331]

Pipe cleaners are also good for tension cleaning. Thank you West for this very informative video !

[@jimantonucci4]

Great demo. My wife has this exact machine, bought it new, gave it to her sister to use and it hasn't been cleaned in 10 years. I have been studying up on sewing machine repair and this demo was exactly what I needed. I could not find anywhere, how to remove the covers just allot of people how difficult it is and then showing the machine stripped. You saved me..., gave me some great pointers and now it works like new. Found 10x the amount of lint than you did. It was almost compressed to a felt state. Thanks again, Jim

[@billiequinn5818]

Thank you so much for this video. This whole series has saved me so much money. I hate throwing away items that can be fixed.

[@tammysoutherland1405]

The fast motion was cracking me up ❣️🤣🤣🤣 I must say sheesh that's a lot of work 😱😅

[@PetalandPosy]

This was SO helpful. I have the 400 Computer, which shared a manual with this model and it said in it that it didn't need to be oiled! Mine was hidden away in the back of storage for over a decade, and and I couldn't believe she powered back up and still sewed, but the tension is wonky and I looked into under the bobbin seat and holy heck was it dirty. I pulled out as much as I could with tweezers but now that I've watched this I will try taking her apart and really getting in there.

[@jimbrown2941]

I agree.. I use air to clean out lint and other debris that I could very well of missed. No one said to use air like your sandblasting, that's why they have regulators on compressors, turn the pressure down. Very good repair series..

[@maryhowe3821]

SO SO SO helpful! I just acquired a Pfaff 78 and am excited about getting it cleaned up. Thank you!

[@slashnburndotcodotuk]

Found this video at the perfect time. Just bought a Lily 550 at a bargain price, (£100) with all the accessories including the walking foot attachment, and that little wheel with the 3.5mm jack plug, which I gather it uses to measure buttonhole length. It's even got it's booklets. Going to give it a good going over tomorrow. They look very similar machines. So thank you for this video...

[@Kelisue]

So excited to see this! My Rose looks exactly like this! I’ll get my supplies tomorrow!

[@kimfowler4636]

That’s my machine that the repairman told me the feed dogs were worn down and now I may not be able to afford to fix it. How do feed dogs get worn? I loved this machine. My grandmother left it to me.

[@leah_goldberg]

You are an excellent educator! Thank you so much for taking the time to make this series.

[@michellecosby126]

Thank you! Going to try to fix/clean the 4 machines I have! Also, I love the verses you added!

[@l.baughman1445]

I think the viewpoint re not using compressed air is not later in the cleaning process when the machine casing is already removed; it’s for those of us non-professionals at home doing a general tidy of the machine of parts we can reach while the casing is all still attached. When you’re using the compressed air, the crud has an exit point. We at home, with the casing still on, the crud just gets moved further back against other components where we can’t reach to remove it. Good example on when in process to correctly use the compressed air as a tool. 😷👍

[@creamberry]

Lovely machine! I had 6 Husquarna 445 in January 2022 to clean. Its fun to see that we do the same work. I just do the tension test in zigzag to speed up my repairtime. Some of my videos are in english but most in german. Enjoy your day!

[@phoozchic]

Thanks! That was a very informative demo. I picked up the 400 model at a thrift store with all of its feet and accessories and the hard case for $45. I didn’t break it down. It was hardly ever used. Pretty clean inside. But I ran it through the routine clean and oil. But if I ever have too…..there you are! Thanks!

[@lilolmecj]

Those Viking machines from the 90s were superb machines! I gifted my 940 from 1985 to a sweet lady in 2920. The only thing it ever needed to go to the shop for was it computer died while it was still under its 5 year warranty. Just a great machine.

[@carlottacurcio640]

Thanks ! I HAVE this very same sewing machine bought it in 1996. I will try cleaning it on my own.

[@mjremy2605]

Very nice demo end to end. What a magnificent sewing machine, a mechanical wonder. Great demo on cleaning the inside. Makes you appreciate the cost of servicing. I just acquired a Viking Colormatic #6030, an older model and more mechanical, but love the sturdy simplicity and the heavy fabric it can sew with ease. Missing manuals and some cams and accessories if you happen to have any for sale. Good demo, keep 'em coming. Many thanks!

[@ebptube]

Vife gave me this task. Knowing nothing about sewing machines I looked upp the subject on KZbin and found this excellent guide! Thank you!

[@birdieberghuis8800]

I love your video.I have a Huskie Lily and haven’t used her in 10 yrs, so I need to clean and lubricate before seeing if she works. I’ll go back and look at it again..thanks for the education.

[@cocasio7190]

Thanks so much for sharing! Blessings

[@MandM-Fish60]

I am enjoying this educational video as I inherited my mom’s old Kenmore sewing machine that needs some TLC after being in storage for a few years. One suggestion though, the fast forwarding is a bit annoying. I know you’re trying to keep the video short but I at times felt like I was missing something as it sounded like you were talking. Overall I am loving the videos and I am glad to have found them.

[@carolyncraig9979]

Thank you, great video. I bought this machine as a birthday gift to myself in the 1990s, and just this week bought a 2nd one at a great price. Seeing your video helped me realize I only need to clean the most recent purchase. My original machine goes to a shop for cleanings.

[@julieorlando985]

Thank you!!!! It took me some time but I was able to disassemble my Babylock Ellageo (1st one) and using your cleaning tips, tools I might need and supplies, I successfully cleared a huge bird nest beneath the bobbin apparatus. (The shank attached to a driver? ) I started at 430 pm and just finished a test run. I'm also the proud owner of one of those magnetic led lights. (I ran to hardware store before I began ) Each video truly educated me and gave me confidence. I also knew when I might have to get a pro. Too bad you don't live in South Louisiana! I would share pictures but I don't know how to send them to you!

[@SewingMachineRepairGuy]

Great job!

[@Beckystouch]

I am glad I found you I learned so much since I have been watching you Thank you

[@divinejudge1]

Thank you! I’m learning to sew as a 41y/o man and this is amazing. God bless!

[@rebeccal786]

Some suggestions: demo which brands of thread create more lint; some off brand bobbins are slightly flatter/shorter so bobble around and create problems; is there way to Gery-rig so I can adjust the presser-foot pressure on an analog machine; stream bible verses when you aren’t talking or when you are fast forwarding ( I can’t read, ponder, and listen simultaneously). Love your channel. Thx for your consideration.

[@SewingMachineRepairGuy]

Thanks for the suggestions, it really helps me to know how I can improve my KZbin skills.

[@lgene7232]

I I am so happy to have found your channel I was gifted and old Bay crest machine and I’m watching you to get the courage to follow your instructions on this machine that I know nothing about we Want to make some masks also

[@robinbrooks3794]

Very informative. I have the 400. You reminded me of Cal who also works on machines. Thank you.

[@charleneforsythe899]

Just watched part 1 & 2. I have the same machine you cleaned. Now can clean it.

[@olgaleiker9285]

Oh my goodness you saved my machine, and yes I took it all a part by my self with a little help from my husband and it’s now clean. Thank you so much Olga

[@blackheart8038]

Been satisfied since i viewed one of your very informative vids...thanks and already subscribed..:)

[@johnellis9023]

West, excellent job and thank you so much for sharing your knowledge......John Ellis, Aldie, Virginia

[@wigglypaw]

i bought the mini vacuum accesory set that fits on your big one. it cleans tiny spots on computers and linty areas on my sewing machines. I had always followed the advice to never blow oruse compressed air into your machine.

[@piccleartoland1565]

You’re a gem!!! Thank you.

[@laabwa]

thanks god that i find this channel. i bought this same machine in 2000 and it works fantastik. 2weeks ago the foot pedal get stuck and i could find the right machanic to repair. i will try to repair it by myself.

[@c7dermatome]

Again thank you so much! all the videos on this channel are fantastic

[@mandypratley1893]

Thanks for the info, I'm learning in England.. I now know the names of the parts that I've been looking at inside the machines, and outside them for decades! Instead of just sewing, I'll be fixing more. Technicians are very thin on the ground where I live and the two that do repairs, didn't want to teach me. I find it easy to trouble shoot and take things apart, and now it will be even better... lemon squeezy

[@charis-ann]

Hello, I too am in the UK and have to drive quite a distance to my nearest technician. Going to have a go myself. Could you tell me what screwdrivers you used to remove the housing please?

[@mandypratley1893]

​@@charis-annI used flat screwdrivers and forced the plastic cover apart. It made burs on the plastic and I thought it would crack, but I carried on and it popped open all of sudden! I had to gently sand paper the burs off once I'd put the cover back on.

[@judithjones5715]

Awesome teaching, relaxed but professional. Thanks!

[@electricshark11]

nice man ima need to watch again

[@daisyroe5372]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@aureliaortiz9766]

So cool thanks.

[@alicehernandez6548]

I have learned so much. Thank you.❤

[@raystomberski4480]

Thank you also for your sharing of info and skills

[@riseandrun1]

I’ve watched all 5 of your video’s. I have an Emdeko that was my mother in laws. Probably hasn’t been used in 30 plus years. I was skeptical of your cleaning procedure. The grease on the gears wasn’t hard, I could not understand why it ran in slow motion. I even took the belt off to see if the motor ran slow. After cleaning the machine, I used 3 in one oil and oiled all the gears and bushings, and anything that looked like it was a lubrication area. The machine still ran slow…but somehow over the last few weeks, the oil must have penetrated the old grease, and the machine is running fast again! The foot pedal I thought was “toast” also works as it should, but I think I’m going to replace it for safety sake… Thanks for your video’s!

[@valdvons]

Great cleaning video!

[@user-uo3pb3rr4f]

i am actually working on the same machine. going back in, as i threw off the feed somewhat. am enjoying your technique, etc. and the scripture too.

[@rjpkeaau1066]

Thank you for such an informative presentation. I believe it is the most thorough help video I have seen online. I have only done a little dusting and oiling, don't know if I could get up enough nerve to take the machine apart. Ron Pusateri Hilo, Hawai'i

[@FrogMama58]

My youngest son decided he wants to sew & he pulled out my 1958 Singer Sewing Machine. After adjusting & cleaning it the bobbin is still pulling the upper thread under intermittently, otherwise it looks fine, tension wise.

[@joannegraves3179]

You are so helpful Thank you.

[@edithruff224]

Thank you for the video. I have the model before it went computerized. I took mine apart have trouble putting back together. I need help.

[@ronalddevine9587]

I use a piece of kitchen twine moistened with alcohol to clean the tension disc's. Works great. Good video

[@riverwiccan]

Thank you for this

[@crskirk]

Wow. What a helpful, easy to understand video. That is a super clean machine now. Great job. Thank you. I appreciate the Bible verses.

[@bigfranksworld]

I just got a Consew 226. and thanks to your videos, I know know how to service, clean and maintain it. I haven't used it yet (waiting for some needles and such to come) but in the meantime, I'm going to clean it, and check timing. This machine does have a slightly bent main shaft. I did see it run, and it seems to sew fine. I may not be able to run it at top speed, but I didn't buy it for that. Mostly bought it for light leather and heavier fabric like vinyl and maybe canvas. Thoughts? and thanks again for all your excellent help in the videos!

[@chickadeeacres3864]

Hmmmm…. My upper tension is at zero and I often wondered what I had to do if it needs to be lowered? I’m going to check my tension thingies for dirt and threads that could be creating it. Thanks for the helpful video.

[@annmaines4964]

Thanks!

[@larrysuttom7880]

Hey there.ur doin pretty good job.i started repair in 1974. It's hard too show everything. Good 👍

[@elsart0]

A fast question: at what pressure do you set the compressed air, to avoid being "too brutal" with the machine? Thanks for your videos!

[@ia5576]

Hello there, I always see your videos and I am so thankful and appreciate it you. Please help I just got a tacking sewing machine and I don’t know how to use it and don’t know how to fix it. Thanks again

[@HoneySparkles2]

❤wow..mine has gotten stuck with thread so many times, but never thought about bottom gears. Maybe why it gives me fits in the middle of a project! I always clean TOP of shutter and under shutter.. 😮. Thank you!!

[@amysbees6686]

Very thorough cleaning demonstration! Could you please do a vintage machine, either with or without electricity, that is solid cast iron or aluminum?

[@tamarshamli9519]

Thank you

[@tyronevonchadley]

Thanks for the video. I have over 15 machines to service. The only think I saw that is not recommended is using a vacuum around solid state electronic boards.

[@stevebabs4555]

Love your videos though thank you

[@Calicap91]

I greatly appreciate this series, I would have kept buying new machines

[@brendaseverns9704]

Hi, I have this same machine and the instruction booklet says not to oil it. Is that just because I'm not a professional and I'd probably do it wrong? Thank you so much! Your video sure takes the mystery out of cleaning this machine! 😊 Brenda Severns

[@eyeonart6865]

Yes, capacitor on air conditioner bulged, I changed and fixed my air-conditioning unit. Yea!

[@petraivarsson8264]

Thanks for this video, it helped me to have confidence to take my Husqvarna computer 400 apart. My good, it was so jamed up with dust. I have a question, can you replace the bobbin winder weel or do you have to replace the hole part? The weel is almost gone and there was alot of black small parts inside Greatful for help how to make it work well again.

[@aquiroz651]

Thanks for both : the biblical verses and for the sewing machines tips, God bless you a lot.

[@mamiesews123]

Thks I'm working on a kenmore now. What model is that viking you are working on?

[@MaryPinkHair]

I did not get far watching this video.... taking the machine apart convinced me I would rather take it to a professional repair man ever so often.

[@lilolmecj]

It is helpful to take pictures with your phone as you go, helps putting it back together.

[@dkhayden1]

I've been seeing machine service. I would desperately love seeing a Viking Designer embroidery unit to replace the press hoop release button. I bought the part, so wish me luck. Dan

[@frankkeyser2817]

How do I center the needle to the opening in the cover plate? In the zigzag more, the needle almost hits the opening in the cover plate. Thanks

[@semco72057]

I have a new Singer 2277 machine which is a piece of junk in my opinion and I have not been able to use it and purchased a 44S Heavy Duty machine after that and hope it works perfectly. The video you put up should be good for those who need to clean their machines and I hope to be able to use one if not both of the machines I purchased and the first one cost more than the second one and it isn't a heavy duty machine like the second one.

[@fddpr]

Hi, I recently bought a designer SE and I had exactly this flashing light. Found your video, and fixed it! Thank you. When I start it I have the husqvarna logo appears first, some people don’t have it, I think because their screen takes more time to turn on but I m not sure. Is that means that capacitors are weaker?

[@proxybox]

After cleaning my display seems weird with some areas with jib erish on my Lily 535. Is there a reset to perform?

[@rongeernaert1208]

Nice machine Husqvarna 400, my transporter can put down in the arm by a wheel at the front under the free arm but this plastic wheel is dropped fallen in de free arm something is lose or broken is this part availeble ?

[@kennygarrett4323]

I really love the videos. Has any one ever taken apart a Pfaff 1472 Anniversary Edition. It was my mom's and has been setting in our garage for 20 plus years. We got it out and it is bunching up under the fabric. Any help would be appreciated. I have not been able to find anything on the internet on how to take it apart.

[@Fereday]

I just bought a Necchi 4575 that was stored in a case for 22 years. I cleaned & oiled it and it works great with straight stitching. Just curious before I take it to get serviced if there is something simple which could be keeping it from doing any type of zigzag stitching ? I have tried every combination of the knobs indicating different stitching type but it just does everything straight ? Machine is in like new condition, just not sure where to start? Thanks even if you cannot help. Your videos are great!

[@lilyverschnaetti8558]

Looking through your videos helped me alot with my machines, thank you for that. As for the cleaning... have you tried long feathers, as they are flexible and get rid of all the dust inside. I have chickens and never saw these long Q tips here in NZ. Keep the videos coming.

[@SewingMachineRepairGuy]

Never thought of that. I imagine feathers would work fine.

[@janetpaden8878]

One thing I like to use in cleaning my machines are chenille strips, "pipe cleaners". They are long, flexible and a little less likely to leave parts behind.

[@TheWoodburningWarrior]

Can I use a regular Shop Vac? Have you done a video on how to fix timing? My 'personal goal' is to fix machines and give them away, but I don't know what I'm doing...

[@edwardhugus2772]

Thank you, sir, for an informative video. I have a Viking Topaz 40, but I would be scared to death to attempt that level of disassembly....I'll admit, I'd be braver on a cheap machine. Maybe I should look at yard sales for cheaper machines to practice on. Things tend to be easy to tr ear apart, but more difficult to re-assemble sometimes.

[@mariacardenas3166]

Gracias por este video!!! me regalaron una maquina Husqvarna.. estoy aprendiendo como usarla, (antes he usado una "Brother"). Aunque video esta en ingles..les agradezco hayan puesto traduccion en español, la mayor parte del video. Gracias

[@thetimelesscostumemaker1266]

Hi! Great video. I am cleaning a Lily 550 currently and could use a little help with a piece. In minute 9:45 off to the left of the machine you have two white pieces. One I know goes to the bobbin winder area but the piece with the tab I have no idea where that one goes. When I took the case apart I looked down and there it was on the table. Could you tell me where that piece belongs. Thanks

[@joycedollar1198]

I have a 545 model and love it over my designer s e.

[@joannegraves3179]

What is a little wire for mine's all band of shape?

[@jenniferdziuk5234]

Dear Sewing Machine Repair Guy. I have a Husqvarna #1+ I want to clean it as you have showed in this video. However I have been told that this machine is self oiling. I have taken the back off and have cleaned out the lint so far. I am wanting to know is can I oil the moving parts. Or do I leave them alone.

[@Gorovoypd]

hello , what to do if my machine just beeping and dont turn on , what can i do ?

[@TheWoodWorkingPilot]

what's the reason you recommend to renew the needle every time you clean a machine?

[@seffssweetsstitches2897]

What's your feeling on running dental floss through the thread path? PS-not the super waxy floss, more like the Glide brand.

[@debbiegriffin2424]

also can you use canned air

[@jingbordan3809]

hi there i have thus singer curvy 8770, en not using for a while, somebody used it, knwing how,, and now i have the problem, my curvy is not running anymore coz the feed dog is running only backward.

[@lgene7232]

I subscribed and like your channel