When it comes to sewing machines, every craftsperson knows that knowledge of basic maintenance and repair is essential. From novice to expert, having a Brother sewing machine requires regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Here are some simple and effective tips for cleaning your Brother sewing machine.
Remove and Clean Parts
To get the most thorough clean possible, it is essential to remove the motherboard unit, bobbin case, needle plate and presser foot. When removing the various parts from the sewing machine, ensure to store each piece carefully and reinsert them in the same order after cleaning. To clean the parts, use a soft, damp cloth, followed by a dry cloth or tissue paper. This is to prevent any residual detergents and moisture which could cause harm to the sewing machine.
Dust and Lint
It is important to remember that dust and lint can build up quickly inside the Brother sewing machine, so it is best to dust the inside of the machine with a clean dry cloth every month. Doing this will help to prevent dust, lint and other particles from collecting and impacting the performance of your machine. Don’t forget to do this for the areas beneath the needle plate, as well as beneath the bobbin case – these areas often get neglected and can be home to much dust.
Clean the Bobbin Area
The impact of dust and lint on the stitching quality of your Brother sewing machine can not be emphasized enough! To clean the bobbin area, first ensure the power is off and the machine is unplugged. Next, take the bobbin case out of the machine and clean with a soft cloth. Also, try using a small brush to brush away any lint or dust that may be found along the bobbin case. Before placing the bobbin case back in the machine, oil the tension springs and the shuttle race located inside the bobbin case.
Lubrication
Before programming in any new stitches or attempting repairs, it is important to ensure that your Brother sewing machine is properly oiled. Use special sewing machine oil for this; lighter lubricating oil will not do the job as effectively. To lubricate the sewing machine, oil as indicated in the instruction manual and follow the instructions provided by Brother.
Cover the Machine
To keep your Brother sewing machine looking its best, it is important to remember to cover the machine when not in use. While the Brother sewing machine is durably built, a good cover will help keep dust, lint and other particles away from the machine and protect it from any scratches. It is adviseable to use either a fabric or a leather cover rather than a plastic one – as plastic covers can scratch the machine.
Treadle Avoidance
In order to ensure longevity for your Brother sewing machine, it is important to avoid using the machine as a treadle. This could damage the internal parts of the machine, as the force from the treadle can cause damage to the internal workings of the machine. In addition, it is important to ensure that the machine is not overloaded, as overloading could cause damage to the machine.
Tip for Optimal Performance
Finally, for optimal performance from your Brother sewing machine, replace needles regularly and ensure that the machine is correctly programmed. Use the correct needle size, feed and stitch length settings depending on the type of fabric and look of stitching desired. Over time, incorrect settings or incorrect needle size or feed settings can cause damage to your sewing machine.
Periodic Maintenance
Regular maintenance and care is important for any fabric and crafts machinery. Therefore, it is important to check your machine regularly for correct functioning and take action if it begins to show any symptoms of malfunction. Furthermore, should a repair be needed, either consult the service manual and attempt the repairs yourself, or visit a certified Brother repair shop.
Seasonal Maintenance and Usage
Due to seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity, the functioning of your Brother sewing machine may be impacted. However, these fluctuations can be anticipated and proper care and protection can be taken. For instance, when subjected to high temperatures, it is important to remember to lubricate the machine regularly. Additionally, proper storage is important. This could involve storing the machine in an air conditioned area or covering the machine properly in order to protect it from moisture.
Impact of Fabric
Fabrics come in various thicknesses, weights and fiber contents. The impact of the fabric on the functioning of your Brother machine should be considered for optimal performance. Materials such as silk and leather require more delicate handling than cotton and wool fabrics. As a result, it is important to adjust the machine’s settings to ensure it can support the fabric without damaging the machine. Furthermore, the speed and tension should also be adjusted depending on the fabric being used, as this can help to increase the overall durability of the machine.
Choosing Accessories
Finally, when it comes to accessories, it is important to buy genuine Brother parts. Not only will this improve the quality of stitching, but also increase the longevity of your sewing machine. The sewing machine parts most likely to break or get damaged are the tension mechanism, presser foot, needle plate, and feed dog. When looking to buy replacements, it is always best to buy genuine Brother parts.
