If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your Janome sewing machine happy, you’re in the right place. Today we’re talking all about how to clean and oil janome sewing machine, the unsung heroes of sewing machine maintenance. Get comfy, grab your favorite cuppa, and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty!
1. Why Bother? The Importance of Regular Cleaning and Oiling
Before we get started on actually cleaning, let’s chat about why it’s important. Think of your sewing machine as a marathon runner – it needs proper care to go the distance without stumbling. Regular cleaning and oiling keep it running smoothly for years to come.
We know you’re thinking “How much affection does my Janome really need?” Well, here’s the deal – after every 8 hours of stitching (or about once a month if you’re not a daily stitcher). It’s spa day for your trusty steed! You know it works hard.
How to Show Your Machine a Little Love
1.1. Unplug and Unleash: No shocking surprises please – unplug your machine before getting down and dirty.
1.2. Strip Down: Remove the casing like you’re undressing your machine. Look at your manual for specifics here.
1.3. Spot the Shuttle Race: That’s where the shuttle goes when in use. Pop in a few drops of oil so it has a smooth ride every time.
Reassemble and Serenade: Put everything back together, plug it in, and let it run for 2-3 minutes. Think of these minutes as a serenade.
2. Where to Apply Those Oil Drops
Let’s slip on our detective hat and find out where those mystery oil spots are:
2.1. Screws
Find three little amigos on the faceplate – near the needle plate and handwheel. Loosen them up, drop some oil in there, then tighten them back up – easy peasy!
2.2. Auto-Locking Hubs
Small plastic hubs scattered around the machine. Remove the cap, drop oil inside, cap it back up. Done!
2.3. Metal Bobbin Case
That metal beauty on the side or back? Oil it up. Remove, drop some oil in there, then put it back – done.
2.4. In-Seam Ripper
If your machine has one built in, pop it open and drop oil in three holes. Put it back together like you’re sending your machine a secret message.
2.5. Bobbin Winder Tension Disc
A small tension disc near the bobbin winder is next on the list – one drop should do.
2.6. Feed Dogs
Under the needle plate, there are four of these little helpers. They each get a drop or two.
2.7. Hook Race Under
Under the needle plate, where the bobbin case snuggles – just a single drop here.
2.8. Take-Up Lever
On the right side, helping with needle gymnastics – hang out for a second and let this hero have its oil bath.
2.9 Balance Wheel:
Also on the right side – just trust us and give it a quick oil rubdown before moving on to cleaning.
3 The TLC Routine: Cleaning Your Janome Inside Out
3.1 Step 1: Needle Up, Power Down
With your needle as high as possible, power down your machine to avoid any accidents.
3.2 Step 2: Disassembly Dance
- Remove your presser foot and gently lower your needle.
- Take off the plastic hook cover plate by sliding its release button
- Bobbin out. Now, we’re getting to the heart of the matter.
- Unscrew and remove the needle plate. Make sure you hold up the presser foot lifter high while doing this – it’s the graceful exit.
3.3. Step 3: Peekaboo at the Bobbin Holder
Gently lift and remove the bobbin holder. Time for a closer look!
3.4. Step 4: Lint’s Worst Nightmare
With your machine’s lint brush in hand, dive into all those spaces between the feed dogs and the hook race. Get rid of that lint party!
3.5. Step 5: Ragtag Clean-Up Crew
Wipe down everything with a clean, dry rag that could be causing problems or that just needs some love around it.
3.6. Step 6: Vacuum Love
If your machine has been working in a dust storm, you might need a small vacuum cleaner that has one of those long nozzles with a cover over it – like this one.
3.7. Step 7: Felt Alert
See this little felt pad right here? It should stay there if it is there and it shouldn’t go anywhere if it isn’t there.
3.8. Step 8: Bobbin Holder and Needle Plate Reunion
Clean the inside of the bobbin holder, and wipe down the bottom of the needle plate before you put them back together again.
4. The Janome 1600 Special: Cleaning and Oiling Extravaganza
Our beloved Janome 1600 is such an amazing sewing machine, don’t you think? That’s why we want to make sure you know how to take care of yours! Here we go:
4.1.Cleaning Frequency: Bobbins Rule
Brush out your machine every two bobbins changed rule – if two bobbins are out, it’s clean up time!
4.2. Oil, and then oil, and then more oil.
Oil your Janome 1600 every morning before you start sewing. Use sewing machine oil – nothing else!
4.3. No Blowing Air
For the love of everything good in this world – do not blow air everywhere. Just don’t.
4.5. Oil again, but only with the good stuff
Use only sewing machine oil to oil your machine – if you’re out of the original oil a solid alternative is Sew Rite sewing machine oil.
Closing Thoughts
And that’s it! A complete guide on keeping your Janome sewing machine clean and well-oiled. Your baby deserves nothing less.
Have anything to add? Let us know in the comments section below!
