How To Oil A Sewing Machine: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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• Sewing Tools and Supplies
• Sewing Machines

How to Oil a Sewing Machine Download Article Co-authored by Andrea Moore Beaulieu

Last Updated: June 4, 2025 Fact Checked

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• Preparing to Oil the Machine
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• Cleaning the Machine
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• Oiling the Machine
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• Video
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• Expert Q&A
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• Tips
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This article was co-authored by Andrea Moore Beaulieu. Andrea Moore Beaulieu is a Professional Tailor, Fashion Designer, and the Owner of MOORE, a Brooklyn, New York based storefront and apparel workshop for gender-neutral, contemporary streetwear as well as custom-tailored products. Andrea has over 20 years in the fashion design and marketing industries and specializes in pattern making, draping, and the construction of garments. She holds a BS in Fashion Design and Merchandising from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 515,350 times.

Your sewing machine will work better if you oil and clean it regularly. It will also run more quietly. Most sewing machines require you to remove the fabric lint and threads that accumulate with each project and then apply drops of oil. It’s important that you only use sewing machine oil.

This article is partially based on an interview with Andrea Beaulieu, a Professional Tailor, Fashion Designer, and the Owner of MOORE, a Brooklyn, New York based storefront and apparel workshop for gender-neutral, contemporary streetwear as well as custom-tailored products.

Easiest Way to Oil a Sewing Machine

Follow the instruction manual to disassemble all the parts of your machine. Clean the machine with a lint brush and compressed air before oiling, then put 1-2 drops of oil in the center of the bobbin area and on the hook race. Wipe away any excess oil with a cloth, then screw the needle plate back into the machine.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Oil the Machine

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1. 1 Follow the instructional manual. Each sewing machine brand is different, so it’s a good idea to check the manual that came with your sewing machine for directions on how to clean and oil it. Ensuring your sewing machine is oiled will keep the mechanics lubricated and running smoothly.[1]
   • Some manufacturers recommend cleaning the machine after every 10 hours you use it. Clean it when you see lint starting to gather. Some older machines mark the spots where you should drop oil in red. Others tell you where to drop it using pictures to guide you.
   • If you don’t have a copy of the instructional manual, you should be able to get one on the manufacturer’s website. You might even be able to download it. If that doesn’t work, call the manufacturer and ask for one. You will be asked the machine name, model, and serial number most likely. You could also ask a local dealer.
   • Some machines do not need to be oiled. They are self-lubricating. Such a machine will still need to be maintained, but if it says not to oil it at home, don’t.
2. 2 Go slowly. You want to make sure that you don’t use too much oil. It’s a good idea to use a little bit of oil, and see how it works. Then use more. Place a piece of newspaper under the machine while you work.
   • Oil small areas at a time. You should take apart small areas of the machine piece-by-piece to oil them. Study the instructional manual drawings first so that you understand the function and name of each part.
   • Do not put oil on the needle, bobbin, presser foot, or plate, as it will stain your fabric.[2]
   • Disassemble the parts following the instructions in your manual. You will want to follow a process of cleaning the piece, brushing it out, and then lubricating each area.
   • After you finish with each area of the sewing machine, you will want to put it back together, and then move on to the next part. Replace needles frequently. You will probably want to do this with each new project.
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3. 3 Prepare the machine for cleaning. You should clean the machine before you oil it. First, turn off the machine and unplug it.
   • Remove all of the extra pieces of the machine that will get in the way of a thorough cleaning. For example, remove thread, bobbin cases, plates, and the presser foot.
   • Remove the stitch plate. If your machine has a bobbin hook, you should remove it because lint could be collected there. Remove the machine’s needle for safety purposes.
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Cleaning the Machine

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1. 1 Take a small, stiff lint brush. You should be able to brush away the lint with the stiff lint brush. Brush away the lint that you can. Sometimes these small lint brushes and other cleaning materials will come with the sewing machine.
   • To reach pieces of lint that are hard to sweep away because they are compacted, try using tweezers to remove them. It's essential that you thoroughly clean your machine before you apply the oil.
   • Try using a soft cloth to wipe away any lint or residue on the bobbin hook. Some people also use clean mascara brushes or pipe cleaners for this process.
2. 2 Use compressed air. You could clean parts of the machine with a can of compressed air. There are some cautions necessary with using compressed air, though.
   • The problem with canned air is that it could blow lint deeper in the machine. To reduce this problem, hold the nozzle at least 4 inches (10.2 cm) away from the machine part, and spray air at an angle into the machine so it blows the lint out of the machine instead of into it.
   • Use the air to clean the bobbin case area and the bobbin case itself. This is the area where the bobbin loads up. Stray dust should fall out.[3] Use the air to clean the bobbin case also.
   • Clean under the needle plate also. You will have to unscrew the needle plate. Remove the plate. You will see dust inside of it. Spray the area with the compressed air. Clean any other parts as instructed by your sewing machine manual.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Oiling the Machine

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1. 1 Buy sewing machine oil. You cannot use car oil. You need to buy oil that is specifically for sewing machines. Sewing machine oil is clear and comes in a small bottle.[4]
   • Your sewing machine may have come with a bottle of oil when you purchased it from the dealer or store.
   • You can find this oil in sewing and fabric shops. This cannot be said enough. You cannot use any other oil than the oil recommended in your owner’s manual.
   • Household oil or WD-40 will not work. Sewing machine oil is of different consistency than oil you’d put in a car. It’s clear and lighter.
2. 2 Put drops of oil into sewing machine parts. You should only need a small amount of oil. Your owner’s manual will tell you where to drop it in the machine. It only takes a couple of drops.
   • Generally, you will be told to squeeze a few drops of oil on the housing unit that the bobbin case sits in.
   • Most machines want you to oil the shuttle hook (which is the thing that spins inside the bobbin casing). Often you will be told to drop oil inside the hook race and the housing of the sewing machine. That’s the silver ring that the bobbin hook fits into. Your machine will perform better and be quieter if you drop oil here because the two pieces rub together.
   • You may also be instructed to put a drop of oil on the outer ring of the bobbin hook. This is where it slides along the hook race.[5]
3. 3 Wipe away excess oil. Try to avoid getting any oil on parts of your sewing machine that will touch the fabric. However, if you do see any oil on the presser foot or plate, or on the needle or bobbin, use a cloth to wipe it away. Otherwise, that oil could end up on your fabric and thread.[6]
   • If you use too much oil, you can run muslin through the machine, and then wipe the exterior of the machine. Use a damp, soapy towel. Let it sit. That way the oil will collect. Then, do it again. You might need to do this a few times over the subsequent days until all of the extra oil is not in the machine.[7]
   • Test the machine. Before you start sewing a new project, make a few stitches on a piece of fabric you don’t care about. You want to see if any excess oil remains. Screw the needle plate back into the sewing machine.
4. 4 Oil a Singer sewing machine. Remove the needle plate. Turn the handwheel towards yourself until the needle is fully raised and open the hinged front cover. Unscrew the needle plate screws. A screw driver will come with the machine.[8]
   • Clean the feed dog. Remove the bobbin. Use the brush supplied to clean the area. Remove the bobbin case. Snap the two hook retaining arms outwards. Remove the hook cover and the hook. Clean with a soft cloth.
   • Lubricate the points in the instructional manual with 1-2 drops of sewing machine oil. Turn the handwheel until the hook race is in the left position. Replace the hook. Replace the hook cover, and snap back the hook retaining arms. Insert the bobbin case and bobbin and replace the stitch plate.[9]
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Expert Q&A

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• Question How do you clean oil from a sewing machine? Andrea Moore Beaulieu Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer Andrea Moore Beaulieu is a Professional Tailor, Fashion Designer, and the Owner of MOORE, a Brooklyn, New York based storefront and apparel workshop for gender-neutral, contemporary streetwear as well as custom-tailored products. Andrea has over 20 years in the fashion design and marketing industries and specializes in pattern making, draping, and the construction of garments. She holds a BS in Fashion Design and Merchandising from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Andrea Moore Beaulieu Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer Expert Answer Use a clean cloth to wipe the oil from the machine until the cloth comes away clean. After oiling your machine, always examine the presser foot, plate, needle, or bobbin carefully to make sure there's no oil present that could get on your fabric. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 8
• Question Why do I need to oil my sewing machine? Andrea Moore Beaulieu Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer Andrea Moore Beaulieu is a Professional Tailor, Fashion Designer, and the Owner of MOORE, a Brooklyn, New York based storefront and apparel workshop for gender-neutral, contemporary streetwear as well as custom-tailored products. Andrea has over 20 years in the fashion design and marketing industries and specializes in pattern making, draping, and the construction of garments. She holds a BS in Fashion Design and Merchandising from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Andrea Moore Beaulieu Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer Expert Answer It's important to follow the instruction for oiling your machine, as it keeps the mechanics lubricated and running smoothly. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 22
• Question What causes slipped stitches on top of the material? Community Answer It could be a few things. Perhaps the tension not correct? Both the upper and lower tensions play a tug of war. If you are getting a straight line on the bottom piece of fabric then the upper tension is too loose. If you see a straight line of thread on the top then the tension is too tight. When the tension is right you will see nice even stitches where they meet in the middle of the fabric like peanut butter between 2 slices of bread. Also check the needle to make sure the flat side is towards the back, and also make sure the needle is not bent. So with this being said I would check the needle out first before adjusting tensions. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 31

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

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Tips

• Small vacuum attachments can sometimes work for cleaning out lint. Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 8
• It’s a bad idea to use your breath to try to blow lint out of a sewing machine because of the moisture in your breath. Thanks Helpful 19 Not Helpful 7
• Shine a flashlight on any areas you may have trouble seeing. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 8

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine oil
• Soft cloth
• Newspaper
• Tweezers
• Sewing machine manual
• Lint brush

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References

1. ↑ Andrea Moore Beaulieu. Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer. Expert Interview
2. ↑ Andrea Moore Beaulieu. Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer. Expert Interview
3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AYV3hbqF4U
4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-xzmK3PS40
5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-xzmK3PS40
6. ↑ Andrea Moore Beaulieu. Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer. Expert Interview
7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgGjc0PtJGM
8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZfOWkvEJ9I
9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejlfcOwFpFY

About This Article

Co-authored by: Andrea Moore Beaulieu Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer This article was co-authored by Andrea Moore Beaulieu. Andrea Moore Beaulieu is a Professional Tailor, Fashion Designer, and the Owner of MOORE, a Brooklyn, New York based storefront and apparel workshop for gender-neutral, contemporary streetwear as well as custom-tailored products. Andrea has over 20 years in the fashion design and marketing industries and specializes in pattern making, draping, and the construction of garments. She holds a BS in Fashion Design and Merchandising from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. This article has been viewed 515,350 times. 113 votes - 84% Co-authors: 13 Updated: June 4, 2025 Views: 515,350 Categories: Sewing Machines Article SummaryX

To oil a sewing machine, start by turning off and unplugging the machine, and consult the manual to see where you can put the oil. Remove extra pieces from the machine, like thread, bobbin casings, the needle, the presser foot, and the stitch plate. Wipe the various compartments with a small, stiff brush to remove lint, and put a few small drops of oil on the moving parts of the machine. Most machines require oil in the bobbin housing unit and the shuttle hook. Wipe away any excess oil with a cloth. If you want to learn how to clean your sewing machine with compressed air, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

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  Sharon Barker

  Apr 17, 2020

  "During the Covid pandemic, I wanted to make masks. I had NEVER oiled or cleaned my machine in 30 years I've..." more

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Andrea Moore Beaulieu Professional Tailor & Fashion Designer Co-authors: 13 Updated: June 4, 2025 Views: 515,350 84% of readers found this article helpful. 113 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote

Sharon Barker

Apr 17, 2020

"During the Covid pandemic, I wanted to make masks. I had NEVER oiled or cleaned my machine in 30 years I've..." more

Beverly Burkhart

Jul 11, 2016

"It's the only information I could find on how to oil a sewing machine. Even my sewing manual was not much..." more

Shirley Gent

Jul 17, 2016

"It says to use the proper oil and just in one place. l probably would have oiled the screws. It was great..." more

N. Tayub

Feb 9, 2018

"What helped me most was the video showing how to dust and clean plus oil the machine. It as very useful."

Kulsum Kakoly

Jan 31, 2017

"wikiHow is very helpful. I always get a clear idea about whatever new things come in my mind." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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