I use that little strawberry that usually comes with those red tomato pin cushions to clean and sharpen the pins I use after pinning quilts on the longarm. I don't know if it really works or not, but I think it removes any burrs or gook. I've also used the wool pincushion. Just push it in and pull it out a few times. You might try that when you are watching tv or doing something that doesn't require much thought.