Well, I have had my trusty Kenmore since 1977 and only have had it in for service for the first time and only time a couple or so years ago. I had done all the cleaning & oiling myself and was fine. Then it took to making a noise that no matter how much I cleaned or oil it would only briefly stop then start again. Well, I didn't won't to keep on & perhaps do permanant damage so I took her to be looked at. All that was done was more cleaning & oiling, go figure. My Janome manuel doesn't have oiling instructions so I guess it is self-contained but have to keep after the lint regular. I find those big cheneil - pipe cleaner things make great lint collectors and they reach lots of places easily.