Can Sewing Machines Survive Monsoon? Top Maintenance Tips To Know

Rainy days create the perfect soothing ambience to take up creative sewing projects. But are they equally good for your sewing machine? The high humidity, damp air, and unexpected leaks during the monsoon season can quietly damage your sewing machine in expected ways. If not maintained properly, these small things can hamper the performance and life of your sewing machine. So, whether you sew daily or mend torn clothes once in a while, learning how to maintain your sewing machine during monsoon can prevent rust, mold, and other issues. Not sure how to begin or what it needs? Let's start with 5 basic tips.

Protect your sewing machine from this monsoon by storing it in a safe and dry place; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Store Your Machine In Dry And Covered Space

The first and perhaps most basic sewing machine maintenance tip is to store it in a dry and covered space. This is because moisture is the biggest enemy during monsoon. It can make your laundry smell bad, your wardrobe swell up, or your sewing machine go bad. Thus, make sure the area where you store your sewing machine is dry and well-ventilated. Use a dust cover or a plastic sheet to protect it from the moisture in the air. Avoid leaving it uncovered, especially if your home tends to get humid.

2. Use Moisture Absorbers

The next maintenance tip to help your sewing machine survive monsoon is to use moisture absorbers. For this, you can place silica gel packets near your sewing machine to control humidity. These small helpers are great at absorbing excess moisture and reducing the chances of rust forming on the metal parts of your machine. However, you cannot expect them to work all season long. Make sure to replace silica gel packets every couple of weeks for best results. Interestingly, these gel packets are also helpful for absorbing moisture from your wardrobes during the monsoon. 

Use silica gel packets as moisture absorbers in your sewing machine; Photo Credit: Pexels

3. Clean And Oil The Machine Regularly

It's no surprise that monsoon humidity can cause metal parts to rust or jam sooner than we expect. Similarly, damp conditions and dust can create the perfect breeding ground for fungus and rust. Thus, it is important to clean and oil your sewing machine before and after using. 

Use a clean cloth to wipe down its body and parts to remove any buildup. Similarly, remove lint, thread, or fabric stuck in specific parts like the bobbin area. Lightly oil the moving parts, like the needle bar, to help your machine run smoothly. But don't go overboard with this tip. Excess oiling can also attract dirt, debris, and cause buildup before you even know it. 

Also Read: 7 Sewing Machine Safety Tips For Beginners

4. Run The Machine Weekly

Many times, we don't pay any attention to our appliances as long as we don't need them. This can make your experience more prone to unexpected hurdles. If you don't use your sewing machine regularly, make sure to run it at least once a week during the rainy season. 

This will help all the internal parts from sticking due to excess moisture. Use any leftover scrap fabric to sew a few lines and keep your machine running well and good. 

Run the sewing machine every week to keep it in good shape; Photo Credit: Unsplash

5. Inspect For Rust Or Mold Regularly

If you can't keep up with the daily cleaning service of your sewing machine, there is an easy but temporary alternative. For days when you don't have the time or energy to clean your sewing machine, take a few minutes and inspect it for possible signs of rust and mold. Pay special attention to areas like the bobbin case and needle plate. If you spot any early signs, wipe them using a clean cloth and apply a light layer of machine oil.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How to keep a sewing machine in good condition?

To keep your sewing machine in good condition, cover it when not in use, oil it weekly, and clean it after each use. 

2. What are two ways of protecting your sewing machine?

2 ways to protect your sewing machine include cleaning and oiling it frequently and storing it in a cool, dry place. 

3. Should I oil my sewing machine?

Yes, oiling helps your sewing machine run smoothly and prevents wear and tear to some extent. 

4. What is the most common problem for a sewing machine?

The most common problem with sewing machines is thread breakage. This happens when the thread snaps or breaks during sewing. 

5. What are three important rules when using a sewing machine?

3 important rules of using a sewing machine include keeping your fingers away from the needle, turning off the machine when threading, and cleaning and oiling before and after each use. 

You may not use the sewing machine every day like any other appliance. Nonetheless, it still deserves the right care and love to last longer and offer a consistent performance. With small steps, such as oiling and cleaning regularly or storing it properly, you can prevent this humid weather from affecting your sewing machine. So, if you want to continue with your sewing experiments, use these tips to maintain your sewing machine. And if you are looking to upgrade to a new option, you can buy the best sewing machines online as well.