good luck on the WLS!! and thanks for letting us know ..

I was also told by a Bernina rep to oil my machine everytime I changed the bobbin as well as clean the lint out. She said when the alert comes on that means you've waited too long to oil it!

Machine cleaning
 

I agree with all the posts here. Cleaning under the stitch plate and the bobbing area are great. Don't forget to oil the hook every 1-2 bobbins too. But nothng replaces a yearly cleaning, they take all the covers off to clean, oil and grease places you can't get to. Plus they do miner adjustments.

I clean mine out at least every 3 bobbins changes, I have an attachment for vacuum cleaner and some real long q-tip type things and can really get out the stuff. Missouri Quilt Company's tutorial was unbelieveable. I couldn't believe it would be so full of stuff and still work.

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.

Harbor Freight also carries a small vacuum adaptor set. Thanks for the reminder that my machine probably needs to be serviced!

OOOOH shame shame lol - I take the vacume with an attachment and suck out as much as I can all the time. thx for sharing it will remind many to clean theirs.

All, please note that while you should be cleaning and oiling your machine often that most of the newer machines also need to be taken in for maintenance. There are places inside the case that need to be cleaned and oiled.

I clean out my bobbin area every time I change my bobbin, too... just habit. My little Featherweight is just happier with less lint!

Every time I rewind the bobbin I give the bobbin area a good 'blow' and periodically get out the little cleaner brush ( I think it originally was for one of the guys electric shaver). Amazing how much lint can collect how quickly, even with the 'blow' every bobbin change. Now to get out the broom and sweep my entire studio...need to keep a broom in there so it's handy.