| You should clean your Singer Featherweight 221 at | | | | (and labeled if necessary) so you know how to put it |
| least once a year, and sometimes even after an | | | | all back together again. All components should be |
| extended period (several weeks) of continuous | | | | thoroughly sprayed/soaked with WD-40 and wiped |
| sewing. | | | | clean. The WD-40 will actually clean, lubricate, and help |
| Like any machine that needs to be cleaned and oiled, | | | | to protect the metal components. |
| it's a good idea to work over a layer of newspapers in | | | | Remember, although you can wipe down the motor |
| order to minimize any additional mess. Other items | | | | housing, do not lubricate the motor. Electric motors |
| you'll need are a screwdriver, WD-40 lubricant, baby oil, | | | | require very little lubricant, and it is very easy to |
| sewing machine oil, lint free cotton fabric, Q-tips or | | | | damage the motor by over lubricating it. |
| toothpicks, an old small head toothbrush, and possibly | | | | After you wipe down the motor, take a moment to |
| 0000 fine steel wool and kerosene. Do not use alcohol | | | | check the belt tension. There should only be ½ |
| (or Lestoil) to clean your Featherweight as it will | | | | to ¾ of an inch of play in the belt. Also, if the |
| dissolve the finish and the machines decals. | | | | belt is worn, replace it. This is done by loosening the |
| Start by scraping off all visible grease with a lint free | | | | screw directly under the belt at the base of the |
| cotton fabric. If you have not cleaned your | | | | machine, almost straight back from the light switch. |
| Featherweight in some time, or you just purchased | | | | Loosen the screw just enough so that the motor slides |
| one and this is its first cleaning in a while, you may | | | | (do not remove the screw) and the belt is able to be |
| need to dissolve some grease that has hardened. To | | | | removed. Place the new belt on, slide the motor back |
| do this pour a little kerosene (or WD-40) onto the | | | | into position and retighten the screw. Make sure you |
| solidified grease and allow it to soften. Very stubborn, | | | | have the proper belt tension. If the belt is too tight you |
| hardened grease may need to be soaked overnight in | | | | will strain the motor. If the belt is too loose, you will lose |
| which case you should tip your Featherweight so that | | | | power. To get the best performance out of your |
| the solid material sits on a cloth soaked with kerosene | | | | machine, take your time and make sure you have the |
| (naturally this should be done in a well ventilated area, | | | | proper belt tension. |
| and away from open flames). Once all the old grease | | | | If you notice any light surface rust (not deeply pitted) |
| is removed, reapply approved sewing machine oil only. | | | | on the metal parts of your machine, this can also be |
| Refer to your owner's manual for the appropriate oiling | | | | fairly easily removed. Rub the rusted section gently |
| locations. | | | | with 0000 fine steel wool. Stubborn spots can be |
| If you notice bits of grease or grime accumulating | | | | helped off by first spraying the steel wool with WD-40 |
| around the Singer Featherweight decal, or lettering, | | | | or dabbing with kerosene. Do not use the steel wool to |
| these can be easily removed with a Q-tip or toothpick | | | | remove any dirt, grease or debris from the machine |
| covered with a small section of your lint free cotton. | | | | surface since it will leave scratch marks on the lacquer |
| Stubborn bits can be removed by first soaking the end | | | | finish. |
| of the Q-tip with WD-40 or kerosene. | | | | Once you've finished cleaning your Singer |
| Remove the needle plate (throat plate) and remove | | | | Featherweight 221, make sure all of the screws have |
| any thread that may be wound around the shaft. Also | | | | been tightened. Any loose screws can cause grinding |
| clean out any accumulated lint inside the cover and | | | | or rattling noises and in extreme cases can possibly |
| under the thread spindle with a toothbrush. | | | | damage you machine, if it causes a jam. |
| If you are mechanically inclined, it's not a bad idea to | | | | Finally, put a little dab of baby oil onto a soft lint free |
| give your Featherweight 221 a very thorough internal | | | | cotton fabric and rub it all over the outside of the |
| cleaning as well. This means having to remove pretty | | | | machine body. Wipe off any excess. Not only will this |
| much every mechanical component that can be | | | | give the unit a nice shine, but the oil will help to |
| unscrewed including the face plate, presser foot, | | | | preserve the varnish finish. |
| bobbin cover and flywheel, but not the motor. It's | | | | Regular cleaning of your Singer Featherweight 221 |
| always a good idea to keep the components together | | | | sewing machine will keep it running smoothly for years. |