Coconut oil isn’t just a delicious cooking ingredient – you can use it on your sewing machine, too! Sewers of all ages and all skill levels swear by coconut oil as a lubricant to keep their machines running smoothly and efficiently when they stitch, patch and repair fabrics. But is that just an old wives’ tale, or is coconut oil actually a good lubricant? Is it safe to use on delicate machine parts?
The short answer is that yes, it is safe to use coconut oil on your sewing machine. While some manufacturers offer their own (often pricey) lubricants and cleaners specifically designed to keep their machines from clogging up, coconut oil is an excellent alternative that often yields the desired result without breaking the bank. It’s natural, low in viscosity, and will safety lubricate the parts of your machine without causing any damage.
When using coconut oil as a lubricant, it’s important to understand how to apply and use it correctly on your sewing machine. The first step is to make sure that the machine is clean and free of lint and debris. Then, use a cloth and a few drops of coconut oil to lightly rub down all of the metal parts – including the gears, belts, and other moving components. To help the oil penetrate, gently massage the parts with a small circular motion – this will help to keep them lubricated and moving freely. Finally, use a soft cloth to wipe away any excess oil, making sure that all surfaces are completely oil-free.
In addition to using it as a lubricant, coconut oil can also be used to clean and shine your sewing machine. Use a cloth, a few drops of oil, and a gentle circular motion to rub down the surfaces of the machine. The oil will not only help to keep your machine looking nice, but it will also help to prevent rust and corrosion. It’s important to remember, however, that while coconut oil is a safe and effective way to lubricate your machine, it should not be used as a substitute for regular maintenance.
Despite its benefits, there are a few downsides to using coconut oil on your sewing machine. It can be difficult to figure out the correct amount to use on each part, as too much can cause the machine to over-lubricate and become sticky. Additionally, it will need to be reapplied on a regular basis, as it can easily dry out or become saturated with dust and debris. Finally, it has a strong smell that some people may not find pleasant.
In conclusion, using coconut oil on your sewing machine is a safe, effective, and affordable way to keep it running smoothly. As long as you keep a few things in mind – such as cleaning and applying the oil correctly, and applying it on a regular basis – it can be a great option for maintaining your sewing machine. So what are you waiting for? Grab a bottle of coconut oil and get to work!
The Benefits of Coconut Oil on Sewing Machines
For sewers everywhere, coconut oil is a great way to ensure their machines are running smoothly and effectively. This plant-based oil is much cheaper than lubricants specifically designed for machines and is an excellent way to extend the life of the machine. It cleans and lubricates metal parts in so few simple steps and provides a host of advantages – here are just a few.
One of the major benefits of using coconut oil is its natural anti-rusting factor. The oil helps to protect metal components against corrosion by seals out moisture and air and provides a protective layer against the elements. Its light viscosity also makes it effective for lubricating metal parts, lessening the resistance and making it easier for the machine to move parts freely. Coconut oil also has the benefit of being environmentally friendly – the natural properties prevent the release of VOCs and other toxic chemicals into the environment.
Regular oiling will still need to be done to keep the machine in tip-top shape, but the addition of coconut oil into your maintenance routine can be incredibly beneficial for maintaining the performance and function of your machine. And because some rust and dust accumulate over time, coconut oil can easily be used to clean away the residue and restore your machine back to its factory settings. Doing so can help to improve the lifespan and performance of the machine, so it’s definitely worth considering.
But before you start using coconut oil on your machine, it’s important to make sure you understand how to apply and use it correctly. Make sure the area is clean and free of lint, then use a cloth to lightly rub down the metal parts. Gently massage with a small circular motion to help the oil penetrate, then wipe away any excess oil with a soft cloth.
Coconut Oil Alternatives
If you want to use a natural oil on your sewing machine, but don’t want to use coconut oil for one reason or another, there are some alternatives. One of the best and most effective is jojoba oil. This is a long-lasting oil extracted from the seeds of a shrub native to the deserts of North and South America, and, like coconut oil, is a great lubricant for machines. It’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and provides a protective layer on the machine to help prevent rust and corrosion.
Another popular choice is mineral oil, a petroleum-based product that can be used on all kinds of machines. It’s safe, gentle on the metal parts, and is odorless and colorless – perfect if you don’t want to worry about any strong smells or stains. Although mineral oil is affordable and provides long-lasting lubrication, it isn’t biodegradable, so if you want to use a natural, eco-friendly option, this isn’t the best choice.
Whatever oil you choose, it’s important to do your research; some oils are specifically designed for sewing machines, while others are better suited to other types of machinery. Always read the instructions carefully and do a patch test before you apply the oil to your machine, as some products will not be compatible with the components of your machine. And of course, use a cloth to wipe away any excess and properly dispose of any used oil.
General Tips and Advice
Using coconut oil or any other type of oil is an important part of maintaining and caring for your sewing machine. Regular oiling can help to extend the life of the machine and keep it running efficiently, but it’s important to remember a few things. First and foremost, keep the area around your machine clean and dust-free, as dirt and debris can easily clog up parts that are even lightly coated with oil. In addition, be sure to use the correct amount of oil – too much can cause the machine to become sticky, while too little won’t provide enough lubrication.
Finally, it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your machine – this means checking for any breaks or faults, oiling and cleaning on a regular basis, and making sure the parts are in good condition. Regular maintenance can help to extend the lifespan of your machine and make it easier to use when sewing, patching, and repairing fabrics.
Oil in Other Sewing Tasks
Using oil isn’t just helpful when it comes to maintaining and caring for your sewing machine. It’s also a great way to improve some of the other tasks associated with sewing. For example, oiling the thread spool and thread guides will help the thread to slide easily through the machine, leading to fewer pauses in the machine and less thread breakage. Likewise, oiling the needle and bobbin case of the machine will also help the thread to move more quickly and easily.
In addition, coconut oil or other lubricants can also be used to oil scissors. Dull blades can make cutting difficult and tedious, but by applying a few drops of oil to the blades you can restore their sharpness and make cutting a breeze. Oil brushes and embroidery hoops can also be great for making sure that your tools are in working order.
Oil can also be used when sewing zippers and buttonholes. A few drops mixed with graphite powder can help to lubricate and reduce friction, making the task easier and less likely to lead to any malfunctions. Finally, oil can also be used to keep fabric edges in place when quilting, reducing any slipping and bunching of the material.
Safety Practices and Precautions
Using oil on your sewing machine is an important part of caring for and maintaining the machine, but it’s vital to take all necessary precautions and safety precautions. Make sure that any oil you use is safe for sewing machines, and always do a test patch of the oil before applying it to the machine. It’s also important to remember to clean the parts of the machine thoroughly before applying the oil – dirt and debris can easily become trapped, leading to clogs and other malfunctions.
For even greater safety, it’s best to unplug the machine before oiling any of the parts. This eliminates the risk of electric shock and prevents parts from moving or spinning while you’re working on them. Finally, be sure to read the manual for your machine, as it should have specific tips for lubricating the different parts of the machine.
