It doesn’t take long for fluff to build up inside your overlocker (or serger for my international readers). With a cutting blade trimming fabric almost every time you sew with it, the dust and fluff builds up quicker than when you’re using a standard sewing machine. It is important to clean out this fluff regularly to keep it stitching smoothly.
The easiest way?
A tin of compressed air! This is just air in a pressurised tin like an aerosol spray. There is a little tube to attach to the nozzle so you can direct the air into all the nooks and crannies. Just open up the side of the overlocker and spray. All clean and ready to sew again.
You can see the tin I bought from Officeworks above, or click the picture below to see stock available on Amazon. (Affiliate link)
Unfortunately that’s also a good way to work all that ‘lint’ into your mechanisms of your machines. Canned air also has condensation that will go into your machine. It’s better to vacuum it out! I’ve heard horror stories of people who have ruined machines with canned air… sorry to put a damper on this process. Buy the little attachments for a vacuum to clean a computer keyboard. It’s awesome! I use them to clean other little spaces as well.
Interesting. I’ve had another lady say that over on Facebook too. I was told this tip by the teacher of my Babylock class so I figured it was safe to share as she has worked with them for years. But now I’m wondering. I will have to ask her about the moisture thing when next go into the store.