Months of sewing definitely leaves its mark!
After spending the last few months working on all sorts of projects, I finally decided it was time to give my Brother home combination sewing and embroidery machine a proper clean. When I opened it up, I found exactly what I expected .. plenty of fluff, lint, loose threads and tiny fabric fibres tucked away inside. It’s amazing how much can build up without you even noticing!
I thought I’d share the process with you because it’s one of those simple maintenance jobs that often gets forgotten, but it can make such a difference. Not only is it incredibly satisfying to brush away all that hidden debris, but keeping your machine clean also helps it run more smoothly and can reduce the chance of thread jams or stitch issues.
Taking just 10–15 minutes every now and then to clean your machine is a great way to look after it, especially if you sew regularly like I do. Think of it as giving your sewing machine a little bit of TLC after all the hard work it’s done.
After a thorough clean, my machine is stitching beautifully again and is all set for its next project. There’s something so satisfying about giving your workspace and your tools a little reset before diving into a new make.
If you’ve never cleaned your sewing machine before or it’s been a while, don’t worry! Here’s the simple routine I follow to keep my Brother sewing and embroidery machine in great condition.
How I Clean My Brother Sewing & Embroidery Machine
Every Brother machine is a little different, so it’s always worth checking your instruction manual for model-specific guidance. However, these basic cleaning steps are suitable for most home sewing and embroidery machines.
What You’ll Need
- A small cleaning brush (usually supplied with your machine) or a pipe cleaner or ear bud would also work
- Tweezers (optional, for removing trapped threads)
Step 1: Turn Off and Unplug Your Machine
Before you begin, switch your machine off and unplug it. This is the safest way to clean and prevents the machine from accidentally operating while you’re working.
Step 2: Remove the Bobbin and Needle Plate
Take out the bobbin and remove the needle plate if your model allows. This gives you access to the areas where lint and fabric fibres tend to collect.
Step 3: Brush Away the Lint
Using the small cleaning brush, gently remove any fluff, loose threads and fabric debris from around the feed dogs, bobbin area and under the needle plate.
You might be surprised at just how much lint builds up over time, especially if you’ve been sewing cotton, fleece or other fabrics that shed fibres.
Step 4: Remove Any Trapped Threads Or Needle Parts
Take a quick look around the hook area and use tweezers to carefully remove any threads wrapped around moving parts or remove any broken needle bits. This small step can help prevent future jams.
Step 5: Put Everything Back Together
Replace the bobbin, needle plate and any other parts you’ve removed, making sure they’re securely fitted before rethreading your machine.
Step 6: Test Your Stitches
Before jumping straight into your next project, sew a few lines on a scrap piece of fabric. This lets you check that everything is running smoothly and your stitches look as they should.
A Few Helpful Tips
- Clean your machine every few larger projects.
- Change your sewing needle regularly, a fresh needle can make a huge difference to stitch quality.
- Avoid using compressed air, as it can push lint further inside the machine rather than removing it.
- Unless your Brother instruction manual specifically recommends oiling, don’t add sewing machine oil. Many modern Brother machines are designed to run without oiling.
Regular maintenance only takes a few minutes, but it can make a big difference to how your machine performs. A clean machine is less likely to suffer from thread jams, skipped stitches or unnecessary wear, meaning you can spend more time sewing and less time troubleshooting.
I always find it so satisfying seeing all the fluff disappear, and it feels like giving my machine a fresh start before beginning another project.
So, when was the last time you cleaned your sewing machine? If it’s been a while, consider this your little reminder! Your machine will definitely appreciate the TLC, and you’ll probably be surprised by what you find hiding inside.
Happy sewing! 🧵✨
