What Oil/Lubricants Do You Use to Service Machines (UK)?
Why Choosing the Right Oil Matters
Have you ever typed “What Oil/Lubricants do you use to service machines (UK)?” into a search bar? The oil you pick can decide if your sewing or knitting machine purrs like a kitten or jams right before a big project.
Using the wrong oil can:
- Gum up tiny gears
- Dull sharp parts
- Void your warranty
Household oils collect dust and turn into sticky sludge. Some even rust metal parts. If your machine drags, squeaks, or smells burnt, bad oil is often the cause.
The right crafting oil is light, clear, and keeps friction away. One small bottle can save you from costly repairs and keep your stitches neat.
Recommended Oils for Crafting Machines
Friends often ask, “What Oil/Lubricants do you use to service machines (UK)?” I always share these two winners:
• Singer machine oil
- Clear, light mineral oil made for sewing machines
- Won’t stain fabric or turn gummy
- Find it at UK haberdasheries, Amazon UK, or Hobbycraft
- Use one drop on each moving part every few weeks
• Triflow with its special PTFE formula
- Adds a thin, slippery coat that fights rust
- Lowers friction, so your machine runs cool and quiet
- Sold in drip bottles and spray cans at bike shops, tool stores, and online
- Choose the drip bottle for better control around needles and gears
Stick with these, and you’ll never wonder “What Oil/Lubricants do you use to service machines (UK)?” again.
What Not to Use: Avoiding Common Mistakes
When searching “What Oil/Lubricants do you use to service machines (UK)?” you might see tips that can hurt your gear. The biggest trap is WD-40. Experts say never to use WD-40 on crafting machines. It is a cleaner, not a long-lasting oil. It washes away good lubricant, dries out, and leaves parts bare. Remember: never to use WD-40 if you want smooth stitches.
Also skip:
- Cooking oil
- Motor oil
- 3-in-1 household oil
They are thick, attract lint, and can stain fabric. Keep a “safe list” near your machine: Singer machine oil, Triflow with its PTFE formula, or other sewing-specific brands.
The Benefits of PTFE Formula Lubricants
Still thinking, “What Oil/Lubricants do you use to service machines (UK)?” If you sew fast or work with heavy fabric, oils with a PTFE formula can be a game-changer.
PTFE:
- Creates a super-slippery coat so parts glide
- Lowers heat, protecting the motor
- Blocks lint, dust, and rust—great for damp rooms
A top pick is Triflow. One drop lasts longer than plain oil, so you re-oil less and craft more.
Quick Oil-Up Steps
- Unplug the machine.
- Brush away loose lint.
- Add one tiny drop of Singer machine oil or Triflow to each moving metal part.
- Turn the hand wheel by hand to spread the oil.
- Wipe off any extra so it won’t touch fabric.
Tip: A printable diagram showing oil points (linked below) makes this even easier.
Ready to Craft Smoothly?
Now you can answer “What Oil/Lubricants do you use to service machines (UK)?” with confidence. Pick the right oil, skip the wrong ones, and keep your machine happy.
Try these oils today and see the difference! Share your results in the comments or join our Crafting Inspirations community to swap more tips. Happy crafting!
