How Do You Clean An Antique Sewing Machine?
Antique sewing machines remain widely available in thrift stores, antique shops and your grandmother’s attic. Many of these machines will run smoothly for years to come with nothing more than a thorough cleaning to remove old oil residue and get the gears spinning. The basics of cleaning an antique sewing machine are the same whether you are working on a treadle, hand crank or electric sewing machine. Wipe down the outside of the sewing machine with a clean, barely damp cloth. Remove any visible dust, debris or spiderwebs before you open up the sewing machine. However, save proper cleaning and polishing for the last step in cleaning vintage sewing machines, not the first. Examine the sewing machine. Take careful note of the position of any screws. Refer to the manual to make this process easier if one is available. Locate the screws on the top of your antique sewing machine. Remove the screws and lift away the top panel of the machine, revealing the gears and workings. Use tweezers to
