Sewing machine oil is known for lubricating and protecting the mechanisms of a sewing machine from wear and tear.
Oiling your sewing machine regularly ensures it stays in the best possible condition under all circumstances.
You can use a conventional sewing machine oil on metal-stitch machines. High-performance oils are generally ideal for the sergers. The oils used on sewing machines are much thicker than the oils used on normal machinery.
In the following write-up, we are going to find out what is sewing machine oil made of, if it is toxic, and other related information. Please check everything out right now.
Is sewing machine oil toxic?
Sewing machine oil helps you maintain sewing machines in a seamless manner. When you oil your machine at regular intervals, it runs smoothly and does not break down. Now some brands of sewing machine oil are quite toxic especially if ingested by a pet or child. A few oils cause cancer in humans and animals.
All kinds of sewing machine oils have their own exclusive properties. Some may lead to skin irritation while others may block the threads or produce friction. It all relies on what kind of material the oil is made of. Select one that has been tested by third-party authorities.
Is there any non-toxic sewing machine oil?
As stated earlier, there are multiple variations of non-toxic sewing machine oil. According to the latest research, synthetic and mineral oils are safe.
Stainless machine oil does not have any harmful chemicals. It is compatible with renowned sewing machine brands such as Kenmore, Bernina, and Singer. They also work well with quilting, serger, and embroidery machines.
Zoom Spout machine oil has impressed larger segments of the population. It is noted for its affordability and non-toxicity.
The machine oil provided by Planet Safe got plenty of positive reviews. You can purchase it online or from local hardware stores.
What is sewing machine oil made of?
Many people look out for sewing machine oil ingredients before making a purchase. The composition include –
- 0.2 to 2 parts antioxidant
- 0.1-to-1-part extreme pressure anti-wear reagent
- 0 to 0.5 parts anti rust agent
- 96 to 98 parts base oil
Also Read: Is Sewing Machine Oil Safe for Plastic?
Other common Zoom Spout oiler ingredients include –
- Silicone compounds
- Paraffin wax
- Beeswax
- White mineral oil
- Glycerine
- Petroleum distillate
- Butylated hydroxytoluene
What type of oil can be used for a sewing machine?
You must use oil that is specifically designed for sewing machines.
Standard sewing machine oil is basically white mineral oil. In other words, it is transparent and odorless. The oil hardly has any viscosity and would not deposit on the sewing machine’s components.
Before oiling the machine, please go through the instruction manual. The machines with nylon or plastic parts do not require oiling. A few machines are just self-lubricating and do not need application of any other oil.
Is there a substitute for sewing machine oil?
The experts providing top-notch synthetic sewing machine oil said there are alternatives to traditional sewing machine oil. But first you should know what not to use on a sewing machine ever.
Automotive oil and cooking oil are not great choices because they can clog gears and damage the fabrics used in the sewing machine. Also remember, 3-in-1 oil is not perfect.
What can be substituted for sewing machine oil?
If you do not have sewing machine oil, and if you wish to lubricate the sewing machine to resolve an issue immediately or get rid of overheating, please consider the following –
Clock Oil
Clock oil is considered the best substitute for sewing machine oil. Studies have shown that both the oils can be utilized interchangeably. In other words, clock oil can be used to lubricate sewing machines, and sewing machine oil can be used to lubricate clocks. The only difference between them is in terms of fluidity. Sewing machine oil can spread and flow. Clock oil, on the other hand, tends to stay in its place. You have to be careful about the amount of clock oil you use.
Tri Flow Oil
Tri flow oil has been in use for several household lubrication purposes. Some people are nowadays using it to lubricate sewing machines. It is made of petroleum products and Teflon. Tri flow oil is a bit more expensive than standard sewing machine oils. But it has one great advantage – it resists heat. So, you can use Tri flow oil when the temperature is high or when there is lots of friction.
Must Read: Sewing Machine Oil Substitutes
Marvel Mystery Oil
Marvel mystery oil was created several decades ago. Its formula was not revealed by the creators, and is still a mystery. The primary objective of the oil was to stop carburetors from getting corroded. It is nowadays used to lubricate engines and small appliances like sewing machines.
Clipper Oil
Clipper oil is another amazing alternative to sewing machine oils. The oil has low viscosity. Just like clock oil, clipper oil and sewing machine oil can be utilized interchangeably.
Precautions while using a sewing machine
When using a sewing machine, you must implement the below-mentioned precautions with utmost diligence. Not doing so can pave the way for accidents.
- Using the right feed dog
Always use the right feed dog. Improper fit can reduce the life of your sewing machine. It also reduces the speed of the movements.
- You should not start up the machine without regularly checking the thread tension of your device
You must never start a sewing machine without checking its thread tension. Thread tension may need adjustment even when fully balanced. If the tension is too tight, the seam can pucker and the thread can break.
- Switch the needle
You should always switch needles and make sure the needle suits the fabrics you have been using. If you use the same needle again and again, the needle becomes dull and breaks.
- Do not keep magnets near the device
It is fine when you are using a magnetic seam on top of the stitch plate of computerized sewing machines. But if magnets touch other parts of your machine, they may cause severe damage.
- Do not turn off the device by unplugging it from the socket
Do not turn off the sewing machine by unplugging it from its socket. Instead turn off the switch on top of the machine.
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Final Thoughts
Now that you know everything about sewing machine and sewing machine oil, please go ahead and start stitching. Thank you for reading this article. If you have any queries regarding this topic please feel free to contact us we will be more than happy to help you.
