What is this?
 

What is this and how do you remove it? This machine was on auction last week. (I didn't buy it.) The nasties on it look like what was on my 401a. They pretty much came off, but left a slight stain. I'm assuming it's some kind of mold. There was something similar on my mother's 15-91 but it was white. It too, came off but left a slight stain as well.

Is there a way to remove the stain?

bkay[ATTACH=CONFIG]594118[/ATTACH]

I'm only guessing, but I would think it's some kind of mould that got under the finish once it got established on the surface.

It looks like some kind of mold or mildew. I know mildew can stain fabrics. I have not idea about plastic or metal

It looks "moldy" to me and I wouldn't want it. I hate to think what is on the inside of the machine.

It's not on the inside. It's on the outer surface of the machine.

bkay

I have found that "Magic Eraser" from MR.Clean will remove stains that other cleaners do not. Might give it a try.

looks like mildew.

I wonder what else you could use to remove it other than bleach? I guess I could try bleach on a hidden surface to see if it harms the paint on the 401. Then, if it doesn't, I could try it on the back to see if it removes the stain.

bkay

Magic erasers have ruined many a sewing machines finish..................just sayin.

Cari

" Krud Kutter" from the hardware store or just 409 should get most of it off. Just don't use it on machines with decals.
Then get a plastic windshield polish for motorcycles, etc and just polish the rest off. I clean them up way worse than
this one all the time. You can polish out most light staining with windshield or a fine car polish.