How to Find The Right Oil For Your Sewing Machine

Hi all,

Depending on what machine you have and its age, you may need to oil it to keep it in tip top condition. But how do you know if your machine needs oil and what oil should you use?

There is a plethora of oils on the market. Engine oil, gearbox oil, steering box oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, peanut oil, baby oil, caster oil, 3-in-1 oil, light machine oil. There are more but I think you get the picture.

Although peanut oil can be used to lubricate cooking machinery, I really wouldn’t recommend using it on your sewing machine. Neither would I recommend using baby oil unless you like your sewing surface super slippy.

The point is, each oil has a purpose. It’s designed to lubricate one particular thing. Engine oil lubricates car engines. Vegetable oil can be used to turn raw potato into the crispiest of fries. Olive oil can be drizzled over salads or go on a date with Popeye. 

None of these oils can be used for the internal workings of a sewing machine. Well, Olive Oil might sit and sew with one, but that’s the closest she should get.

When selecting oil, you need to make sure you get the right one for your sewing machine. With the seemingly endless selection, how do you know which one to pick?

Here are the two most popular oils that get suggested every time someone asks about oil for sewing machines:

3-in-1 Oil

The handy little all purpose lubricant cures a multitude of sticky, seized up mechanical problems. From bike parts to car parts, this little unassuming tin of elixir for cogs, gets used for anything containing nuts and bolts. This oil is a heavy oil designed for heavy machine parts. Like the chain on a bike. Think dirty, greasy, hard working engine parts. This little oil works great for most things found in the garage. 

It’s the kiss of death to sewing machines.

Sewing machines are not made from heavy, dirty, greasy components. They don’t live in the garage. Well, mine doesn’t. The 3-in-1 oil is too heavy for the inner workings of the sewing machine. Using this oil will cause your machine to clog up. Maybe not straight away, but over time, your machine will struggle to work through all the build up of caked on, rock hard oil residue that it just can’t process. It will seize.

WD40

WD40 isn’t an oil. It’s a water displacement agent. For getting water out of things like external door locks. 

Hence the name, WD40. It stands for the 40^th attempt at finding a substance to dispel water. Do not under any circumstances use this as oil in or on your machine, regardless of its age, make, model or function. You will clog the inner workings with gloop leading to malfunction and possibly even an expensive trip to the repair shop.

This substance should be reserved for sticky door locks and rusty bolts.

Now you know what not to use, what should you be using on your sewing machine? Is oiling something that you need to worry about?

As I mentioned at the top of the article. There is an oil for every situation. When it comes to sewing machines the oil you should use is… 

I feel there should be a drum roll here…

Sewing Machine Oil

Specifically designed for sewing machines, this is a light machine oil with a low viscosity. Which basically means there is less friction so it flows faster. It’s like the difference between the flow of a thick chocolate milkshake and a bottle of chocolate milk. 3-in-1 oil would be the milkshake.

Sewing machines are not heavy machines. Well, if made of iron they are, especially if they land on your foot. But I’m not talking about weight. I’m talking mechanisms. The inner workings of a sewing machine are delicate. They don’t need to work as hard as a car engine so are not as robust or heavy. They don’t need the milkshake. They just need the milk.

Sewing machine oil can be found at sewing machine dealers, retail stores and online. Relatively inexpensive and easy to find, this oil is the one and only one you should use on you sewing machine. 

Here is a picture of the one I have at the moment. There are others available. I got this one because it has a handy telescopic spout for getting into hard to reach areas. 

 

Today’s domestic machines are designed to run with very little oil. There are no oiling points for oil to be administered at home.

This is my 2004 Janome domestic machine. There are no oil points on this machine. 

The only time these newer machines get oil is when they go into the sewing machine health spa for their yearly service.

Older or vintage machines will need oiling. This is my Singer 128 from 1922. It has handy little oil points or tiny little holes where the oil goes. 

The manual for my Singer Stylist lets me know where to oil this machine every couple of months and which parts only need doing once a year. 

Industrial or semi industrial machines will also need oiling. Depending on their age and design, they may have large oil pans underneath or oil points. Even so, you’re still looking at using sewing machine oil but in larger quantities.

Whatever machine you have, your manual will be invaluable in letting you know if it needs oiling and how often. If you don’t have a manual you should be able to find one for free online. You could also check oil requirements with the manufacturer or your sewing machine dealer.

Remember, all oils have a specific purpose. If it’s a sewing machine you’re thinking of oiling, use sewing machine oil. 

Your machine will love you for it.

Bye for now,

Olly

For more sewing tips and adventures, follow me:

Facebook.com/olwenwhite/

instagram.com/olwenwhitewrites/

Twitter @OlwenWhite

 Youtube