Well I'm really lazy I guess because I only take mine all apart after a project or even 2 if they are small. I clean out the bobbin area without removing the face plate every 1 to 2 bobbins and I use the "bushier" pipe cleaners (only white so it's easier to see the lint) plus a tiny brush. I use Aurifil or Presencia which my Babylocks love, and never have a lot of lint. Now if I'm using a material like Minky or flannel I clean thoroughly more often.