# How to clean and oil a sewing machine

Source: https://threadandfeed.com/blog/how-to-clean-and-oil-a-sewing-machine
Published: 2026-10-09
Publisher: Thread & Feed

**Short answer:** Unplug the machine, remove the needle, presser foot, needle plate and bobbin, then brush lint out of the feed dogs and bobbin area. Oil only if your machine's manual tells you to, only at the points it shows, and only with sewing machine oil. Many modern computerized machines, including many Janome and Brother models, are designed not to be oiled by the owner and should go to a dealer for service.

Lint and dust build up quickly in a sewing machine, and they cause many skipped stitches, noisy running and thread jams. This page is for home sewists who want to clean their machine properly and are unsure whether to oil it. It covers the tools you need, a step-by-step lint cleaning routine, how to tell whether your machine should be oiled, how to oil it when the manual says to, and how often to clean and service. The single most important rule: your machine's manual overrides any general advice here.

## What you need

Avoid canned air. It can blow lint deeper into the machine where you cannot reach it, and some makers specifically advise against it. A small vacuum attachment is a gentler option if you want more than a brush.

- Your machine's manual, printed or downloaded from the maker's support site.
- A small lint brush; many machines include one.
- The screwdriver that came with the machine for the needle plate.
- Tweezers for pulling out thread scraps.
- Sewing machine oil, only if your manual calls for it.
- A soft, lint-free cloth and a new needle.

## How to clean lint out of a sewing machine

Front-loading machines with a removable bobbin case also have a hook race behind the case. Some manuals show how to remove the hook race cover and clean inside. Follow the manual's procedure closely, since parts must go back in the correct orientation.

1. Turn the machine off and unplug it.
2. Remove the thread, needle and presser foot.
3. Remove the bobbin and, on a drop-in machine, lift out the bobbin case. Note its position so it goes back the same way.
4. Unscrew and remove the needle plate.
5. Brush lint from the feed dogs, the area under the needle plate and around the hook. Use tweezers for packed lint and thread ends.
6. Wipe the bobbin case and check for nicks or burrs.
7. Replace the bobbin case exactly as it came out, then the needle plate and screws.
8. Fit a new needle and rethread before sewing.

Note: Always unplug the machine before removing the needle plate or cleaning near the needle. Never clean with the machine running.

## Should you oil your sewing machine?

Check the manual first. This is the part that varies most between machines. Many modern computerized and electronic machines use sealed or self-lubricating parts and say the owner should **not** oil the machine, or should only clean it and leave lubrication to a dealer service. Adding oil to these machines can attract lint, stain fabric and in some cases cause damage.

Many mechanical machines, older machines and some straight-stitch and semi-industrial machines do need owner oiling. Their manuals show specific oil points, often around the hook race, needle bar and under the top cover, and say how often to oil them.

If you cannot find a manual, look it up on the maker's support site by model number. If the manual says nothing about oiling, or you are unsure, do not oil the machine and ask an authorized dealer.

| Machine type | Usual guidance |
| --- | --- |
| Modern computerized home machines | Often no owner oiling; clean lint, dealer service |
| Mechanical home machines | Varies; some show one or more oil points |
| Straight-stitch semi-industrial | Usually regular oiling at marked points |
| Vintage all-metal machines | Usually oiling at many points per the manual |
| Sergers | Varies; some show oil points, some do not |

Typical guidance, always confirm in your manual

## How to oil a machine when the manual says to

Oil frequency also comes from the manual. Machines that need oiling often call for it after a set number of hours or whenever the machine runs noisier than usual.

1. Clean out the lint first so oil does not turn it into sludge.
2. Use only clear sewing machine oil, never household multipurpose oil or cooking oil.
3. Put one drop on each point shown in the manual. More is not better.
4. Turn the handwheel by hand, or run the machine slowly without thread, to spread the oil.
5. Wipe away any excess oil you can see.
6. Sew a few rows on scrap fabric to catch any extra oil before working on a real project.

## How often to clean and service

Brush out lint from the bobbin area regularly, for example after each project or every few bobbins, and more often when sewing fleece, flannel, batting or cotton thread, which shed heavily. Change the needle at the start of each project or after several hours of sewing.

Most makers recommend a professional service at intervals that depend on use. A technician can clean areas you cannot reach, check timing and lubricate where needed. See [how often to service a sewing machine](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/how-often-to-service-a-sewing-machine) for the signs that it is due.

Cleaning fixes many common faults. If your machine is [skipping stitches](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/sewing-machine-skipping-stitches), [jamming](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/sewing-machine-keeps-jamming) or [nesting thread underneath](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/sewing-machine-thread-bunching-underneath), clean it and change the needle before anything else.

[See Janome sewing machines](https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-janome-sewing-machines)

## Cleaning a Janome or Brother machine

Janome and Brother both publish manuals with cleaning steps for each model, usually with diagrams of the bobbin area and needle plate. Many of their modern computerized models say to clean but not to oil, while some mechanical and straight-stitch models show oiling points. Find your model's manual on the maker's support site and follow it rather than a general video.

If your machine is under warranty, unauthorized repairs or oiling against the manual can cause problems with coverage, so leave anything beyond lint cleaning to an authorized dealer. If the machine is having repeated faults, see [Janome sewing machine problems](https://threadandfeed.com/blog/janome-sewing-machine-problems).

## Frequently asked questions

**Where should I oil my sewing machine?** Only at the points your manual shows. Many modern machines have none and should not be oiled by the owner.

**Can I use WD-40 or 3-in-1 oil on a sewing machine?** No. Use only clear sewing machine oil, and only if the manual calls for oil.

**Should I use canned air to clean my sewing machine?** It is best avoided, because it can push lint deeper inside. A brush, tweezers or a small vacuum attachment are safer.

**How often should I clean my sewing machine?** Brush out lint after each project or every few bobbins, and more often with linty fabrics. Book a professional service at the interval your manual or dealer suggests.

## Machine guides for this topic

- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-janome-sewing-machines
- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-sewing-machine-for-beginners
- https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-juki-sewing-machines