Terry in the ADK

My Tiara (my pride and joy) and my DSM are in the basement which has a dehumidifier going all the time. We will be away from WNY for three months this summer, going to the ADK . I covered the machines with flannel/ cotton material loosely. My DH said to leave them uncovered to prevent rust. Who knows what is best?

ghostrider

Your DH. Covering will hold in any moisture and rust it faster than not covering, with or without the dehumidifier. Trust the tool man you married on this one.

Tartan

If you have any of those packages from shoe boxes to remove moisture, put a few around on a plate in your sewing area too.

Prism99

Yes, leave uncovered so air can circulate (carrying moisture away from machines). Any covering will trap moisture next to the machine.

You can purchase silica gel at JoAnn Fabrics and create little packets of moisture trappers (similar to those found in shoes, etc.) with inexpensive coffee filters. Youtube has some videos on how to do this. Gun owners make up these packets to keep stored ammunition dry for long periods of time.

Edit: On second thought, the packets won't do any good in an entire room like that. Whatever is being kept dry (such as ammunition) needs to be in a container. The silical gel keeps the interior of the container dry. It wouldn't be enough for a whole room.

auntpiggylpn

I think I would bring them upstairs if I was going to be gone that long. . .

Prism99

I wish I had thought to suggest this. I think it's brilliant!

Jackie Spencer

Another important thing to remember, would be to put your presser foot down, especially if its not going to be used for awhile. That will take the pressure off the spring.

sewbelle52

Upstairs, upstairs, upstairs!!! Yep I would do that too!!

quiltin-nannie

There is a product called Damp Rid that absorbs moisture in the air. We used to live in an old cottage type house that was surrounded by trees and was very damp. I got a few of these and put them around and it was amazing the moisture they took out of the air. These would probably be better than anything else because they can work on a whole room. Depending on how big your area is, these might be your solution!

Terry in the ADK

How ingenious!!!! Bring them upstairs....what a great idea!!!! Thanks...why didn't I think of that. I brought the DSM up but I think the Tiara (sit-down quilting machine) is too heavy so I put several of those Damp-Rid things around it and the dehumidifier is keeping it at 42%. I also put some of those things in the cupboards and closets where the material is!
Thank you all for your ideas.....even if I was wrong and my DH was right AGAIN!