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To Oil or Not to Oil? Oils to Use, and Don’t Use to Maintain a Vintage Sewing Machine



There is a lot of people that have opinions on this topic, and it can be quite controversial... these are my own personal preferences. I am a certified technician, and if you follow my recommendations, you can’t go wrong. I promise to lead you on the right track.


Sewing machine oil is most important lubricant and the most import oil to use in a sewing machine of any type, brand and age. It should be the main lubricant used, if not any.

Sewing machine oil is a specialized oil that is free of additives, it was designed to specifically help break down any old grime and varnished oils caked on internal parts it. The brown varnish often seen on the needle bar and presser foot bar of vintage machines results from using incorrect oil or a combination of old oils and dirt. For regular maintenance, always opt for sewing machine oil.


For other oils to use, I recommend "Tri-flow," a high-grade oil containing P.T.F.E., known as Teflon, which boasts one of the lowest friction coefficients. Although pricier than other sewing machine oils, its quality justifies the cost. Other sewing machine oils are also acceptable. Tr5i flow can be used in a punch, but it does not last as long as sewing machine oil.


Oils to avoid include 3-in-1 oil, automotive oils, penetrating oils, light household oils, silicone sprays, kerosene, and WD-40. While WD-40 is great for loosening screws and cleaning parts, it's not suitable as a sewing machine lubricant. Its primary purpose is water displacement, not long-term lubrication as it is only temporary.


Regarding grease, what works for gears may not be ideal for plastic touching metal moving parts or all small motors. Avoid automotive grease for regreasing gears; instead, use products specifically recommended only for sewing machines, the featherweight shop has a great product made specifically for vintage machines and Sew Retro and Triflo grease are also good choices, I use Tri-Flow grease for gears, but not in motors, for those I stick with the Sew Retro grease or Vaseline. Sewing machine motor grease is designed to melt at a certain temperature, using a wick system to provide proper lubrication as the motor heats up. Unlike Tri-Flow oil, it will melt at the appropriate temperature to lubricate the motor shaft adequately. Vaseline is a great substitute as it melts as high temperatures. Before it was invented, companies would recommend Sperm Whale fat, we of course don't have that readily available anymore.


I know I threw a few different recommendations at you, but I hope that you may have found some of the information found in this pos helpful and may answer any future questions that you may have. Now I know most of you don't completely clean out or fully lubricate your machines and perform just general maintenance, and that is ok too. But just in case, now you know what to use.


Happy Sewing,

Erin Gannon

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