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Member since 6/26/05
Posts: 1148
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Posted on: 12/17/05 8:56 AM ET
I've just sewn one garment out of stretch velvet (or is it velour?) and have one more to go. The insides of my serger and coverlocker are coated with black fuzz from this fabric. No doubt the sewing machine is as well, but it's black inside, so it's hard to tell.
What's the best way to clean it all out? When I wipe it away with a cloth or brush it seems to jump back on to the plastic, which is not surprizing given that it's winter, cold, and very, very dry. Is it okay to use anti-static spray inside the machines or wipe them with a dryer sheet? (I'm getting a humidifier for my sewing room in the hopes it will keep the static down a bit.)
  
Member since 8/12/02
Posts: 2939
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Posted on: 12/17/05 9:06 AM ET
I would get one of those attachment sets for your vacuum that allows you to get into small places, and use that to vacuum the machine. I would be leery of using a dryer sheet or anti-static spray on the machines for fear of gumming up the works. I've worked with stretch velvet, and even in humid conditions (it was raining one day this fall when I was sewing with it), it tends to get all over everything. So I just vacuum out the machine after each project.

HTH!
Ann
  
Member since 12/6/04
Posts: 700
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Posted on: 12/17/05 9:08 AM ET
In reply to rhoda bicycle
The best way to clean out the inside of your machine is to vacuum it out. You will need small attachments for your vacuum. You can find these small attachments at vacuum dealers or on the internet. I purchased mine from Nancy's Notions.


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Member since 7/16/05
Posts: 317
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Posted on: 12/17/05 10:13 AM ET
You can often find them where computer accessories are sold, also.
  
Member since 3/28/04
Posts: 1666
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Posted on: 12/17/05 10:34 AM ET
The vacuum is definitely the easiest & most effective method! I got a set of the tools to attach & luckily they work with my small hand-held vacuum cleaner.
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PVA (Pat)  "A girl can't have too many scissors!"
If I don't have time to do it right, when will I have time to do it over?
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 6374
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Posted on: 12/17/05 10:48 AM ET
I use the small vacuum attachements too, but I also put a bit of sewing machine oil on my little cleaning brush. That way the lint sticks and does not jump around. It sticks to the brush and I wipe it off onto a soft cloth.

I always give me machine a good oiling after cleaning too.
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Living life to the fullest.

Who knew being a Granny was the best thing ever?
  
Member since 2/9/04
Posts: 18027
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Posted on: 12/17/05 2:15 PM ET
In reply to rhoda bicycle
I bought one of those small attachment kits for my vacuum and was disappointed.

I just use my regular vacuum (which really sucks!!! - LOL) and no attachment and awaaaayyyy we go. Works perfectly for me. I have a special Sewing Room Vacuum cleaner, too. It's one of those tiny canister types and lives in the sewing room.
It's similar to this style:

little canister type vac

I don't have to haul the Big Mama into the sewing room on a regular basis now.

There is a Pledge product that one can spray onto a cloth and use around TV screens and computers that is sort of anti-static. It might help. I've never tried it. I would only put it on the outside housing of the machine and no where near the inner workings.
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Member since 11/11/03
Posts: 1773
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Posted on: 12/17/05 3:48 PM ET
When I don't feel like going through the whole vacum routine I just use a cosmetic brush (no longer used for cosmetics) and brush the stuff out and blow it away. Not quite a good as vacuuming but easier. The brush is able to get into some tight spaces.
  
Member since 2/17/03
Posts: 1709
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Posted on: 12/17/05 4:02 PM ET
I'm with you Sue, I use small sable paint brushes to get in their and clean out the tight spots. It works like a charm. Vacuum to get out the big chunks and use the paint brushes for the tight spots.
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Member since 1/1/03
Posts: 2737
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Posted on: 12/17/05 4:10 PM ET
Ditto, Sue and Mary, 'cept I use inexpensive paint brushes, have more of those lying around.

oh, yeah, and sometimes I'll touch the tip of the brush in some machine oil.
-- Edited on 12/17/05 5:10 PM --
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