Yesterday, my hubby and I went and picked up this little gem...found it advertised on the internet and being it was only 60 miles from here I answered the ad and bought it for $50!!!

It is a 1951 Singer 201-2 and the cabinet was included! The cabinet hinges are bent and missing some screws but DH said he can fix that for me... the machine itself sounds good but needs some tension adjustments and most of all it just needs alot of TLC!!!

What do you suggest I use to clean it with....it is VERY dusty. Help!! It just seems to me where I read somewhere that you shouldn't use rubbing alcohol on these older machines but that was the first thing that came to mind...is that ok to use? If not, then what?

wow! nice! i never really thought about owning an antique sewing machine, but gosh, you all are making me want to get into it!

can't help on the cleaning, though. i would probably try the magic eraser, gently, if it were me. but then someone may say 'NO don't do THAT'

:D

I think I would try Orange Glo. It may even lubricate things a bit. Use it very sparingly and then buff with a soft cloth. I really don't know. But, thats what I would use.

Loretta....no, it isn't a featherweight....I WISH!! LOL But I think it will work just as nicely! Thanks all!!!

It looks pretty good in the picture, but I found this so it looks to be a beauty
http://www.treadleon.net/sewingmachineshop/cleaningmachines/cleaningmachines.html

When you talk about cleaning it, Are you talking about the machine? Is'nt it a metal housing? I'd use a cleaner for general cleaning, such as 409, or one like, since it's a metal, for the actual cabinet, which appears to be wood. I'd use Murphy soap oil, then a lemon oil, after cleaned. I'd oil it with a lite weight machine oil. She/He is really a old pretty machine. Is it electric or treadle? Aren't you lucky..........

It is all metal so I thought the same thing...just any old dirt cleaner at least for the outer parts but wasn't sure....it has the knee control, something I'm not used to but will get used to it I'm sure! Thanks!

Ruth...great info!! Thanks...wow they sure cleaned that baby up didn't they!! LOL

Patsy, be very VERY careful on those decals. They might not be removed by the wrong cleaner, but they could end up discolored. How lucky for you to have the manual with the machine! I have one of the 66 series Singers and used it constantly until I got a new sewing machine last year. They really are well-built. Try checking on-line for "Cleaning an old sewing machine" and you'll find a few hints.

I have used the knee control before, (When I was Younger), It's not really to hard to get the hang of it. Dose the lever drop down alittle and then can be pushed up outta the way? If those decals haven't rubbed off to date, I dout they could be rubbed off now.

Hello,
I have several of the old Singer sewing machines. I have found them all at sales for $10.00 - $50.00. I love them. Every one of them that I have bought were very dirty. My husband and I used 3 and 1 oil to clean them with. We completely tore them apart and put them back together. They are all I sew with.
Judy in Ohio