Can You Use WD-40 On A Sewing Machine?

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A sewing machine is an essential tool for many crafters, home sewers, and professionals in the fashion industry. Like any mechanical device, a sewing machine requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it running smoothly. This includes lubricating moving parts to prevent friction, wear, and tear.

Many people reach for the popular multi-use product WD-40 to lubricate their sewing machines. But is WD-40 an appropriate choice for keeping your sewing machine well-oiled? Or can using WD-40 on a sewing machine actually cause more harm than good?

In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll dig into whether or not you can and should use WD-40 on a sewing machine.

What is WD-40?

WD-40 is a widely available spray lubricant and water-displacing solvent. The product was originally developed in 1953 to prevent corrosion by displacing water and providing lubrication.

The name “WD-40” stands for Water Displacement perfected on the 40th try. While the full ingredients are a trade secret, WD-40 is known to contain petroleum distillates along with various lubricating oils and solvents.

Over the decades, WD-40 gained popularity for its versatility and myriad of household uses. Today, it’s found in many homes and garages as an all-purpose product for:

  • Lubricating hinges, locks, tools, and other equipment
  • Protecting metal from rust and corrosion
  • Removing grease, grime, sticky residues, and adhesives
  • Stopping squeaks and quieting noisy parts

However, just because WD-40 works well for some applications does not mean it’s suitable for use on all devices and machines.

Why You Should Not Use WD-40 as Sewing Machine Oil

WD-40 is not an appropriate choice for oiling a sewing machine. Here’s why:

  • WD-40 is not designed for precise machinery. While WD-40 can lubricate basic hinges and joints, it does not have the properties needed to properly lubricate the inner workings of a complex device like a sewing machine.
  • WD-40 can dry out and become gummy. The solvents in WD-40 evaporate quickly, leaving behind a thick, sticky residue. This can attract dirt and lint, clogging up moving parts.
  • WD-40 strips away existing lubricants. The solvents in WD-40 break down oil and grease. So rather than lubricating, WD-40 can remove existing lubrication needed for your machine’s operation.
  • WD-40 can damage rubber and plastic parts. The chemicals in WD-40 can degrade rubber belts, hoses, and plastic components over time.
  • WD-40 does not have anti-wear additives. Unlike proper sewing machine oil, WD-40 does not contain additives to reduce friction and wear on close-fitting parts.

In summary, WD-40 should never be used as a lubricant for your sewing machine. You need proper sewing machine oil designed specifically for keeping internal components running smoothly.

When to Use WD-40 on a Sewing Machine

While you should avoid using WD-40 as a lubricant, it does have some appropriate uses for sewing machine maintenance:

1. Cleaning and Degreasing

WD-40 excels at breaking down old, built-up gunk and sticky residues. The solvents in WD-40 can help dissolve old grease and solidified oil that may be gumming up your machine.

To safely use WD-40 as a degreaser:

  • Spray WD-40 directly onto problem areas and let it soak in for 5-10 minutes.
  • Manually work the parts to help dissolve stuck-on gunk.
  • Thoroughly wipe away residue and follow up by blowing out components with compressed air.
  • Apply new sewing machine oil to re-lubricate components.

This process can free stuck or sluggish mechanisms. Just remember to fully remove WD-40 and reapply the proper lubricant when you are done cleaning.

2. Preventing Rust

Thanks to its corrosion inhibitors, a light coating of WD-40 can help prevent rust from taking hold on your machine’s metal components.

It’s a good idea to wipe down external sewing machine parts with WD-40 if storing in a humid environment or for extended periods of time. Just avoid overspraying onto rubber and plastic.

3. Quieting Squeaks

WD-40 can quickly quiet squeaks coming from your machine. This is thanks to its lightweight lubricating oils. However, the lubrication is very short-lived.

Use WD-40 sparingly to stop annoying squeaks. But make sure to follow up with regular sewing machine oil once the WD-40 has evaporated.

What is the Best Sewing Machine Oil?

To keep your sewing machine running smoothly, you need a high-quality oil specifically designed for precision devices. Here’s what to look for:

  • Light viscosity: Thinner oils penetrate tight spaces better than thicker greases and oils. Look for lightweight mineral-based oils.
  • Anti-wear additives: Additives like zinc phosphate reduce friction and wear, protecting close-fitting parts.
  • Rust inhibitors: Added protection against corrosion of metal components.
  • Designed for sewing machines: General-purpose oils may contain additives unsafe for sewing machine materials (rubber, plastic).

Singer sewing machine oil is a top choice that meets all these requirements. It comes highly recommended by sewing machine manufacturers. Other reputable brands include Liberty Lubricants EZ Oil and Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant.

Follow your machine’s manual for oiling recommendations. Be sure to oil moving parts frequently—every 4-6 hours of sewing time. And get your machine professionally serviced yearly.

Sewing Machine Oiling Guide

Use this checklist to keep your sewing machine properly oiled:

  • Handwheel: Turn handwheel to access interior parts. Oil wheel spindle and bearing.
  • Motor: Access motor pulley, belt, and bearings. Apply drops of oil.
  • Shuttles: Oil rotary hook race, bobbin case, and shuttle driver.
  • Feed dogs: Oil at base of teeth and feed bar components.
  • Presser bar: Oil presser bar and presser foot shaft.
  • Take-up lever: Apply oil on joint, lever, and bottom of shaft.
  • Zig-zag components: Oil zig-zag regulating components.
  • Gears: Apply oil on any exposed gears.
  • Linkages: Oil joints on turning cranks and linkages.
  • Shafts: Oil joints on power shafts and bushings.

Avoid over-oiling. Only a small drop of oil is needed per spot. Oil ports sparingly, wiping away excess.

FAQ About Using WD-40 on Sewing Machines

Is it really that bad to use WD-40 on a sewing machine?

Yes, using WD-40 as a lubricant can lead to operating problems and wear over time. Only use proper sewing machine oil designed for precision components.

What about using WD-40 in a pinch if you don’t have sewing machine oil?

It’s better to wait and apply the proper oil than use WD-40 incorrectly. Temporary use may quiet squeaks but can still damage components.

Can I use WD-40 if my machine manual says not to?

No, never go against your manual’s recommendations. The manual provides maintenance instructions specific to your make and model.

How do I remove WD-40 from my machine if I already used it incorrectly?

Fully wiping down components and using compressed air can help remove residue. Follow up by thoroughly re-oiling with sewing machine oil.

Why does my new machine still need oiling even with modern parts?

While new machines may use more modern plastics and rubbers, the metal moving parts still require proper oiling for smooth performance and longevity.

The Bottom Line

WD-40 is a handy product to have around the house, but should be avoided as a primary lubricant for your sewing machine. Be sure to keep high-quality sewing machine oil on hand to properly maintain your machine’s intricate mechanisms. A well-oiled sewing machine will reward you with years of smooth, trouble-free operation.

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