Good for you! I do the same. I bought one of those little vacuum cleaner attachments, and it sucks all the lint out. I then check my manuel to see where I need to oil and clean, and get it all cleaned out. If it needs a good cleaner in the area of the bobbin case, I use wd 40 spray, just a little spray, and clean it with a soft cotton cloth, and then put a drop of oil on the hook when I put it back in. Amazing what a little tlc can do. If I have a major problem THEN I take it to the shop. Saves a lot of heartache when you learn to clean your machine. Happy sewing.