machine maintenance
 

I have found the cans of compressed air sold for cleaning computer keyboards, invaluable for cleaning the lint out of my sewing machines, it loosens all the fluff and then I use the little hard brush that came with the machine to clean it all out.

The compressed air might blow little bits of fluff into other areas. I sometimes use it on my vintage machines because I can take off panels and see all the inside parts for a thorough cleaning. But on my newer computerized/electronic model I can't do that so I don't use it. The fluff might mess up the electronics.

I was also told this by my machine repair man. I also have a computerized machine. It's better to use a vacuum to draw the fuzzies out. Compressed air can force lint into unwanted places.

When I bought my Baby Lock Jane the Lady that owns the store told me to use it. I bought a can but have not used it. She also has a Son and Nephew that work on machines. They are not very good, last time I took two machines in for cleaning--- they were not cleaned. My last trip there. I just use brushes to clean them. Straight stitch only machines.

Not had a problem so far, but my machine although computerised is fairly old n I would like a new one, but that said I would hate to cause any damage to it as it has been a real treasure and sewn everything ive thrown at it. I'll go back to the vacuum cleaner.

Make sure you fasten a nylon stocking over the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner hose, in case anything is loose!

My Janome repairman said to be sure not to use compressed air as it can blow debris into the machine - actually harming it. He said to be sure to only use vacuum and as Neesie said - to put a stocking over the end - just in case.

Okay, this is from an expert sewing machine repairwoman (not me !): do not use compressed air. I just picked up my Bernina after getting it cleaned and serviced and she asked me what I used to clean it with. I said: compressed air. She said that was a no-no, use a vacuum cleaner. She said all we do is push the dirt, lint, oil whatever into piles that does not blow out. So that is what I will do in the future. This woman is a true expert at repairing all machines, she has quite a reputation in our area.

I have also been told not to use compressed air. I do use it on the longarm, where the fluff is being blown straight out and not into the works.

I think it might depend on your machine. The end cap on my machine comes off, then I can blow the compressed air in that direction, so it goes out - not in. This is per the advice of my Babylock dealer. Of course, I just occasionally go to that much trouble - most often, I just clean out around the bobbin case.