I use a small watercolor brush to clean my bobbin area every time I remove a bobbin. Every time - even it's only been used for 5 minutes to top stitch. Keeping the lint down in the bobbin alone can gain you extra time between servicing your machine. Every odd year, I give my machine a Spa Day. She has earned a rest and while I miss her while she is away, I appreciate it when she returns home ready to sew with the crazy owner she lives with. I consider it a small price to pay for such loyal service.