Proper care and maintenance of sewing machines are crucial to keep the equipment in good working condition. Therefore, all sewing operators must learn how to maintain their industrial sewing machines to help them run smoothly and ensure that they will last for years.
Learning how to take care of your sewing machine is crucial for the garment manufacturing industry. But some operators are intimidated to clean their machines because of the complicated parts. So here are several simple tips you must keep in mind to ensure that your industrial sewing machine will remain in tip-top shape.
Clean the Machine
The most crucial step in maintaining sewing machines is cleaning all the parts correctly. It includes cleaning the needle plate, feeding teeth, and bobbin race. In addition, the device needs proper cleaning before oiling it to prevent it from accumulating dust and other fluff.
When cleaning industrial sewing machines, you will need several materials to remove all dirt and grime efficiently. It includes:
- 1/2 to 3/4” flat paintbrush
- Disposable cloth
- Cleaning fluid or solvent
- Screwdriver
- Portable vacuum cleaner
You also need your sewing machine’s manual to know how to clean every part of the equipment without the risk of compromising its functions.
Things to Consider when Cleaning Sewing Machine
- Turn off the machine before cleaning.
- Remove the bobbin case by opening the slide plate. You must also remove the throat plate and faceplate when needed.
- Get rid of all the lint, dust, and loose threads accumulated in the rotary hook and feed a dog. You may use a brush to remove the dirt or a vacuum cleaner to ensure that no particles remain.
- Avoid using hard tools like scissors or screwdrivers to remove the stubborn lint.
- Move the hand wheel manually to expose all hidden parts that need cleaning.
It is also necessary to check the needle to see if it is still clean and unclogged. Replace the needle if needed to avoid damaging the fabric.
Oiling the Machine
The industrial sewing machine needs to be well oiled all the time. It will ensure that all the parts will work properly.
The materials required for oiling your machine include your preferred sewing machine oil, soft disposable cloth, and your sewing machine manual.
Things to Remember When Oiling the Sewing Machine
- Always turn off the sewing machine before oiling.
- Follow the instructions posted on the industrial sewing machine manual. You must also check the condition of the machine’s visible parts every oiling session.
- If the manual is no longer available, you must learn how to locate the oil holes of your sewing machine. It varies depending on the model and brand of your equipment. Because of this, you need to know all the sewing machine parts for proper cleaning.
- Remove all the dust, grime, and excess oil from your machine using a soft cloth.
- Wipe away excess oil to avoid spoiling and damaging the fabric.
Additional Tips
You must clean and lubricate the industrial sewing machine after every use. It will help prevent lint and dust buildup. It will help determine if parts of the sewing machine need replacement.
Taking care of your industrial sewing machine will help keep the equipment valuable and functional for a long time. As a result, you no longer need to buy a new one for a long while.