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Sewing machines (Bernina in particular) - suitable oils?

Doc_N
Doc_N Posts: 8,624 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
in Old style MoneySaving
Seems to be a lot of controversy about this online - the correct oil to use for expensive sewing machines such as Bernina.

3 in 1 oil is widely available but probably not suitable?


Then there are options such as these:


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1L-BRITISH-MADE-SEWING-OVERLOCKER-MACHINE-OIL-TOP-QUALITY-CLEAR-MINERAL-BASE-/273681004261


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Singer-Lubricant-Mechanical-Parts-Appliances/dp/B007DXYLF2/


Singer's hardly the greatest brand these days, so I'm not sure I trust even their oil!

Any sewing machine experts in here?

Comments

  • thriftwizard
    thriftwizard Posts: 4,919 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    No expert, though I handle a lot of sewing machines & use several (including two Berninas) on a regular basis: I've been reliably informed that any good quality light machine oil will do. 3in1 is too "heavy" but Singer oil, generic SM oil and even typewriter or hair clipper oil would all be fine. Kerosene (i.e.WD40) should only be used to clean away old oil, and new oil applied to the appropriate points straight afterwards. HTH!
    Angie - GC Dec 25 £376.31/£500: 2025 Fashion on the Ration Challenge: 40/68: (Money's just a substitute for time & talent...)
  • Topiary
    Topiary Posts: 156 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 100 Posts Combo Breaker
    If you have a hobbycraft store near you they do small bottles of sewing machine oil

    https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/hemline-machine-oil-20ml/567061-1000

    Gets good reviews
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