How far do you go cleaning your sewing machine?
 

I just remove the bobbin holder (not sure of the actual name of it) and dust around with a pipe cleaner. Do any of you remove any more screws and go into the bottom of the machine yourself, or do you let a pro do it?
Also, I heard computerized machines don't need to be oiled. Comments?

I have 2 computerized machines, the only place I oil, is the bobbin case. I only clean the bobbin area of my machine, never remove any screws. I leave that to the professionals.

I am not good about this. I should be. I have all mechanical machines that I have recently oiled and cleaned. I made a chenille and flannel quilt on my basic dinky mechanical Brother and months later after reading on this board about cleaning, I decided to try and take the bobbin case out (horizontal bobbin). That poor machine was clogged with fuzz and lint and who knows what else. It took me a long time to pick it all out and then suck it out with the vacuum. the blessed machine never missed a stitch for those months after. I also don't change needles very often. I'm going to try and be better but no promises!!

i am slowly learning more and more about my vintage machine. as i learn, i explore, open, clean.

so far, i haven't broken anything. i feel that when i do something i don't know how to come back from... then i'll let the professionals take care of it.

ETA: i clean/dust my machine about every two to three weeks.

I remove the bobbin assembly and hook and the needle plate when I clean and oil my Bernina. Some modern machines do not need oil, but others do, at least at the bobbin assembly. Check your manual to see which one you have.

I clean in the bobbin area of my Pfaff but I let the pro's clean the rest. I'm too chicken to try it.

I take the plate off and all of the loose parts from the bottom case. Then using a vacuuming tool set made for computers (the parts are very small) I clean down in every place I can reach. FYI the vacuum tool set can be purchased at WalMart for about $10 and fits a standard vacuum cleaner.

I'm usually good about changing the needle frequently, using a brush around the bobbin area and take off the throat plate and brush that area. I do oil the appropriate area by the bobbin. I have a number of Berninas.

I clean out the Bobbin area of my Bernina and all my machines EVERY time I change a bobbin. I am more particular with my machines than I am of the kitchen sink. But I don't go further than manufacturer recommends. Bernina gets a spa treatment yearly. Vintage machines get taken care of by DH who services them professionally.