Smell in vintage Singer 301
#21
I just purchased a Singer 301 and before it arrived I purchased a new felt pad for it. They are listed now on ebay, same seller I used, for a couple of dollars plus shipping. I had read somewhere that this smell was a problem and anticipated it would be a problem on mine as well. When mine arrived no smell at all, but installed the new felt pad anyway. It is a very easy thing to do and I feel better that it has a new pad. I also purchased a set of new rubber feet for the machine bottom. I am using my machine as a portable and the rubber feet had become dry and brittle and the entire machine would slid when I sewed on it. The new rubber feet are great and hold the machine in place. They are also available on ebay.
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: toronto
Posts: 824
Hi
I had the same problem with the 301 and a featherweight. I replaced the oil drip pad on the underside of the machine and that helped a lot. I bought them online from a company (in Florida I think) that sold fetherweight parts. Inexpensive at about $3.00 each and very simple to replace. Take off the bottom and check to see how dirty/oily the pad is. If you think this could help, then google to find a seller. Dryer sheets and exposure to air will help too.
I had the same problem with the 301 and a featherweight. I replaced the oil drip pad on the underside of the machine and that helped a lot. I bought them online from a company (in Florida I think) that sold fetherweight parts. Inexpensive at about $3.00 each and very simple to replace. Take off the bottom and check to see how dirty/oily the pad is. If you think this could help, then google to find a seller. Dryer sheets and exposure to air will help too.
#26
I used a bar of Irish Spring soap in my featherweight case, No more smell. Also changed the felt pad, I think some of the older machines have the original one still in there. You can purchase the pads and feet on ebay.
#27
Congratulations on your purchase. I'd change out the pad on the bottom and put charcoal in the box with it to absorb the smell. A man who used to have a vintage sewing machine/repair store near here told me to never put baking soda in with the machine because it's not good for the paint.
#28
Funny you should ask. A friend and I were talking about that very thing yesterday. She said the remedy is to soak some cotton balls in vodka and put them in the case and close it up. I don't know if it will work but I can't see that it would hurt anything if it didn't. You might want to give it a try.
mamaduck
mamaduck
#30
Originally Posted by SandraG
I bid on a Singer 301 on Ebay. It arrived in the mail today. A very pretty cream and tan machine. Seems to run good and looks great. However, it smells musty. I've had it on the porch all day but it still smells. On Ebay, it said it had been cleaned and serviced. They must have held their noses when they cleaned it or couldn't smell. Any suggestions on how to get rid of the smell. The case and the foot pedal all smell. Should I leave it open or put a box of baking soda in the case and close it for a few days. I'm open to suggestions. Just don't want to mess up the machine. Thanks
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