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How to Clean a Hand Crank Sewing Machine

Hand crank sewing machines are beautiful collectibles that can add beauty to almost any home and décor. These antique hand crank sewing machines can be found in various levels of quality made by a handful of companies at antique stores, estate sales and garage sales. One of the most popular is the Singer antique hand crank sewing machine. Hand crank sewing machines from different production years have unique decoration, painting and decals that help to identify the machine, as well as contribute to their aesthetic appeal.

Things You'll Need

Microfiber cloth or car washing towel
Gentle or natural degreaser
Cotton cloth or T-shirt rag
Dish soap
Soft cloth or dish rag
Warm water
Cotton swabs
Wood soap
Wood polish

Instructions

- 1
  
  Microfiber or car drying towels remove dust buildup on sewing machines.
  
  Use a microfiber dusting cloth or a car washing towel to clean off any large or small visible dust on the hand crank sewing machine.
- 2
  
  Gently clean any grease or oil buildup on the hand crank sewing machine.
  
  Apply a gentle degreaser using a white smooth cotton cloth or old white T-shirt rag to areas on the sewing machine body where grease or oil buildup has occurred. Using a natural and non-toxic degreaser like Simple Green is best because it will be gentler and you don't want to ruin the finish on your machine.
- 3
  
  Clean the entire sewing machine body with warm water and dish soap.
  
  Clean the sewing machine body using warm water with dish soap using a soft cloth or dish rag, paying particular attention to cleaning any spots that were cleaned with degreaser. Clean the hand crank sewing machine only in an environment and humidity that will allow fast drying, to prevent rust.
- 4
  
  Use a cotton swab to gently clean small, hard-to-reach places.
  
  Use a cotton swab to clean any small areas--with degreaser or dish soap, or both--that need cleaning but are too small to be effectively cleaned with the rag.
- 5
  
  Clean the wooden base and wooden case with gentle wood soap and polish.
  
  Clean the wooden case and base for some hand crank model sewing machines using a higher quality wood cleaner and polish. Murphy's soap for wood floors and furniture works well to clean the wood cases.

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