Yes the lady at my lqs told me the same thing...it will only blow it deeper into the machine.

There was a retailer suggested just the other day. It is Tristan in Richmond, B.C. The prices there are astronomically less than elsewhere. One of the girls from this board mentioned it in the first place.

I wouldn't look under my refrigerator even if I was offered a million dollars ;) ;) ;) ;)

Just took my machine apart today and found enough fuzz for a small family of rabbits. :!: :!: :!:

For better vacuuming tight areas: duct tape a large straw on the end of the crevice tool and seal off tool and vacuum away. You can bend it and it works great in tight areas.

I found that by using a "turkey feather" I can get out the lint in all places . Just rub a little water on the feather and you'll find the lint sticks to it. (I have a friend who has wild turkeys come visit her back yard every day)

The moisture is not good for your sewing machine!!! Be careful!

Great idea. Wish I had feathers.

I keep a pipe cleaner handy all the time so that whenever I change the bobbin I can just run it around inside until it is time to drag out the vacuum with my sewing machine cleaning attachments. A quilting instructor suggested that I use the pipe cleaners. She also said to keep a coffee filter nearby to gather the thread scraps on, works like a charm.

Now that sounds great. I'll use that hint to clean out the "bunnies". Thanks.

Thanks. I have pipe cleaners!

I make it a point to clean out the lint every time I change my bobbin. I never paid much attention to it before but now that I have my Bernina I want to keep her in top notch condition. Only take a few minutes to clear out all the yuk, I use a small make-up brush (never used for makeup), its just right for getting in those tight spots under the foot plate.

Don't use canned air on your machine, it only drives it in further. Use a chenille pipe cleaner on it. They are really cheap and the lint is picked up really good with them.

I also was told that blowing the lint , only packs it in. I wasn't told about the condensation. My nephew works with small motors, & said "you just pack it in". So I never use caned air. I also have the small vaccume attachments.

When I bought my Bernina the dealer said to use Q-tips to clean my machine. And don't forget to oil your machine after cleaning. Cheaper thread will provide more lint than a better quality thread will.

thanks for the idea...I use the canned air, but won't be doing that anymore

Okay, everyone I know knows not to use the canned air because it supposedly pushes the lint further into the machine, but has this actually happened to any of you or to someone you actually know, not a friend of a friend but someone you can lay your hands on. I've heard this for years now and I'm starting to wonder if it is simply an Urban Legend in the quilt world because I haven't been able to track anyone down to had a problem with their machine due to canned air. :?


I was also taught never to blow into the bobbin area because the condensation from my breath can rust the metal parts due to the moisture. (I'm blowing, NOT spitting!) But technically wouldn't that do the same thing as the canned air, push the lint in even further into the machine?

There is a generic vacuum hose sold that will adapt to various vacs. One of the adapters should fit your hose; its sold for use on computers but also can be used for other machines. I think I got mine at Office Max or Staples. I believe sewing m/c sellers may also carry them, either in their shop or catalogs online.

I bought the vacuum attachment set years ago from Nancy's Notions but it was higher. They work great. :thumbup: :thumbup:

No I don't know anyone who has had this happen to them directly. But my dealer told me never to use canned air, that it could cause the lint to become packed in, so I have never done it.

I have not done mine yet :? almost afraid to. God bless. Penny

I use Q-Tips to help clean mine....the lint sticks to the tip. So many dust bunnies hiding out.....better go check mine again! LOL.....here bunnie bunnie...

You'll be so much happier once the lint is gone and your machine runs a bit smoother! :thumbup:

DITTO! Canned air can push the lint back into places you can not get to and cause lots of problems.

Wini House of BCC in Houston

I clean all of my machines on the first Saturday of the month and more regularly if they were used. I keep a container of cotton swabs, old toothbrush , tweezers and dental picks beside my work table. Dental pics are great for loosening the fuzz build up around the feed dogs. A good packing of lint around that area sure does wonders to throw your stitching off.

I use a feather and find it good.

I've used the Q-tip too, especially when sewing on fleece or velvets.
One time when I had been hemming fleece ponchos AND working on a velvet vest, that the lint in my sewing machine rivaled that in my dryer!

If you have a vacuum cleaner that has an exhaust port. Attach your hose and blow the lint out I do this every once in a while

Yes, but has this happened to you or to someone you know? Honestly, I can't find anyone who has had a problem with the canned air, but we all know it is supposed to be bad. I can't help but think we may be looking at an Urban Myth here. :lol:

Urban myth or not I am not using it on my expensive sewing machine.
Something else DH told me about canned air is that if it is not held
straight it will produce some kind of liquid. Do I want that in my machine?
I don't think so.