Briarberry

I bought a 301a about a month ago. I love sewing on this machine. I cleaned it using sewing machine oil and a soft rag, oiled the heck out of it and it just works wonderfully. The only problem is that there are, what I think, nicotine stains in all the little corners etc on the machine. They look ugly and don't affect the mechanics of the machine but I don't know how to get rid of them. Any advice on how to get rid of these would be welcomed. Thanks.

bearisgray

scrubbing with a wet toothbrush dipped in baking soda?

I really don't know. If they don't smell, I would probably ignore them.

Charlee

I'd use Dawn dishsoap and a toothbrush...

barny

I'd use soap and a small swab for the little niches. I bought a machine years ago and it turned my rag brown. Stunk!, but I got it okay. Just takes a little scrubbing.

ThayerRags

Briarberry, could those be oil stains instead of nicotine? When I’ve seen machines like that, there’s usually a lot of oil buildup inside and under the machine too. It usually means that the previous owner oiled the machine plenty, maybe to the point of over-oiling it. The excess oil can eventually migrate to the outer surface of the machine and evaporate, leaving a stain.

CD in Oklahoma

irishrose

My 301 arrived with a coating of yellow nicotine, too. I know the look and smell having purchased a smoker's house years ago. I scrubbed her down with a toothbrush dipped in an Oxyiclean solution. Of course I dried the machine immediately. She came sparkly clean. I would have then oiled or waxed her just for looks and protection, but I'm planning a paint job, so I didn't do anything except sew with her. I've been three days without her due to an electrical problem and I feel like I've lost my best friend even though there are 8 or more other machines in the house. You'll love sewing with this one.

miriam

I use Mean Green or Awesome from the dollar store - wipe off as you go - safe to use on the 301s - the finish will be ok - the old black machines don't like that stuff - takes off the finish.

Briarberry

Thanks for the replies, I was afraid to use anything too strong because I didn't want to ruin the finish. I just tried Dawn and it seemed to work but I have Mean Green in the closet just in case. I do love this machine, it sews such a straight stitch.

miriam

Any time you clean a machine test the chemical somewhere not too obvious and see if it is paint coming off or goo.

Linda - K.

I did this when my sister got rid of our Mom's Singer 403 and I was lucky enough to grab it before it went to the dump! My sister and her husband are heavy smokers and my sister left it up most of the time in the cabinet so it was in the path of smoke. It stunk so I had to scrub as best I could since I don't like smoke smell of any kind. There are a few nooks and crannies I did manage to miss but it's a lot better than when she had it!