Even before turning your sewing machine on, start by showing it some love!
Begin by dusting it off and giving it a good little clean up.
Take a small brush and use it to dust the top of your machine, under the feed plate and where the bobbin goes, plus anywhere else you see visible dust or grime. Nobody wants icky dust and potentially dirt stains to appear on their brand new sewing project as they are sewing!
Use tweezers to remove any loose threads and bits of fabric that accumulate under the feed plate. You might need to use a small screwdriver to get underneath. You can also use a can of air duster to help blow out the bits. After, take a look at the inside of the machine and if needed, re-oil your machine per manufacturer's instructions.
If you no longer have your original manual you can usually find digital versions online with a quick Google search. Most domestic machines come with small brushes but if you have lost this brush don't fret. One can use a clean make-up brush or even a pipe cleaner under dire circumstances.
Maintaining the cleanliness of your machine makes a huge difference in how it runs. The amount of lint, dust and threads that can build up can be impressive and quick. So it's important to clean your machine regularly.
We suggest keeping a brush handy while sewing, especially with natural fibers such as linen and cotton. This way you can clean as you sew along and prevent large build up of fabric and thread waste with your machine.