How to Clean Treadle Sewing Machine Base?

Treadle machines are vintage sewing machines that are not widely in use anymore because they do not require electricity to work. Instead, they use the treadle mechanism, which converts your pedaling to the rotational energy of the wheels. However, dirt tends to accumulate at the base of a treadle machine, causing clogs. So, it is essential to understand how to effectively clean this component.

Therefore, it is critical for an owner to know how to clean treadle sewing machine base. However, there are a few things to do to achieve a spotless treadle machine base.

Here are the steps to achieve this:

1. Detach the machine head from the base.
2. Inspect the treadle for rust or damage.
3. Remove rust and treat the rust if there is any.
4. Remove dirt and dust with a brush or dry towel.
5. Use mild soap and water to clean the treadle base.
6. Please leave it to air dry while you prepare it for polishing
7. Clean the frame and base with machine oil.
8. Polish the frame and base with machine oil carefully.
9. Lubricate the hinges and joints to reduce friction.
10. Assemble the sewing machine and test to see that everything is in place.

So, this article provides a step-by-step procedure for caring for your treadle sewing machine. In detail, it involves disassembling, deep cleaning, and assembling it to maximize your fabric design tool.

10 Steps to Cleaning Your Treadle Sewing Machine Base

Without sewing machines, we cannot convert fabrics into complicated designs. You can only do so little with a hand needle and a reel of thread. These machines help to make your job faster and ensure that you sew easily.

A treadle sewing machine does not require electricity, unlike industrial machines. This type works when you pedal the base to turn the wheels and the head. Unfortunately, if you do not clean the base regularly and correctly, you may face unnecessary problems.

This is because the treadle base does the major work in moving the wheels. Consequently, if it is not working properly, it will affect the functionality of the machine. For instance, the treadle base will not pedal well if it corrodes or has dirt on it.

As long as you follow these detailed steps, you should be fine.

1. Detach the Machine Head from the Base

Before cleaning the treadle, you must detach the machine head from the base. This will allow you to access the base without any obstructions. In addition, it prevents you from damaging parts that are not water resistant.

Undoubtedly, it will be detrimental to the machine head if it comes in contact with water for a long time. This procedure may not require tools, but it depends on the machine’s model. For example, if it is a singer model, you can lift the head with both hands and unhook it from the clip that holds it down.

Once it is free, you can place the machine head in a safe place and away from harm’s way. Next, you can move the frame to another location where you can clean it effectively. This way, you can even decide to clean the machine head if you have spare time.

However, it is advisable to clean the machine head and treadle base simultaneously so that you may not need to conduct another cleaning after you finish with the base. Also, it would help both parts to work without hindrance.

2. Inspect the Treadle for Rust or Damage

Treadle sewing machines are made of cast iron, which is suitable for these types of equipment. This is because it can withstand high pressure and temperature. Also, it can last for a long time because of its durability.

Unfortunately, cast iron can rust if exposed to unfavorable conditions like moisture. Still, it is more likely to corrode if you do not maintain it properly. It is relatively easy to find rust because it changes the color of the metal.

Corrosion quickly degenerates metal from its pure form. This process is common with cast iron, mostly due to the presence of carbon in its structure. So, no matter how durable it is, it does not make it less susceptible to rust.

One obvious sign is that the treadle base or frame will turn brown in areas undergoing degradation. But, of course, it does not happen suddenly, and the speed depends on the severity of the exposure. Hence, it will be worse if the sewing machine often gets in contact with water. But if you fail to notice any signs of rust, you can proceed with the cleaning.

3. Remove the Rust and Treat if there is Any

This step is only necessary when you notice that the treadle is corroding. If it is not, there is no need to do this. Well, I will explain what you must do to remove the rust and restore some luster to the metal.

The first thing to do is to get as much rust from the base as possible. You can do this with a brush that has hard bristles. The tough bristles will remove as much rust as possible from the metal surface of the treadle sewing machine.

Contrarily, some people prefer to use rubbing alcohol for this procedure. But it is rather wasteful because you will need a lot of alcohol if the sewing machine is initially abandoned. On second thought, it is a good action if you can handle the cost.

Ensure you brush the entire base, careful not to miss the undersides. This is because you can easily skip this part, thinking it is unnecessary. But, it is crucial to do a thorough job to enjoy the benefits.

Remember that it will be impossible to pedal when your sewing treadle rusts. This results from too much friction in the joints that lack lubrication. To combat this problem further, you can apply anti-rust spray on the machine or coat it with another metal. However, you must perform this under proper supervision or leave it to an expert.

4. Remove Dirt And Dust with a Brush or Dry Towel

After removing rust from the treadle is time to start cleaning correctly. Now, the first thing to do is to get a small towel and a brush. These tools will aid you in cleaning the base of the machine.

Next, use the brush and repeatedly dust the whole frame’s surface. This way, you will be sure to get any stuck particles. Again, it would be best if you had focused more on the holes and joints on the base.

It is not uncommon that dirt and debris easily lodge there because of the space available. Another place to focus on is underneath the bolts and the wheels. The oil from the machine often provides an avenue for dirt to stay there.

Finally, use the dry towel and wipe the base and go upward. Apply some pressure around the bolts and hinges as you notice more dirt. You will see that the dirt is mostly dark-colored due to the mixture of grease and dust.

5. Use Mild Soap And Water to Clean the Treadle Base

The next thing to do is to get a bowl of warm water with mild soap to clean the treadle base. This step helps remove most of the dirt that the dry towel did not remove. One important thing to note is that you must be careful and fast during this procedure.

Remember that water and cast iron do not coexist, and you will merely use them for cleaning. So, dip the towel in the soapy water and wring it as much as possible. This way, you will remove excess water, so it does not interfere with your cleaning.

Ensure to clean every inch of the treadle base and frame, as it will determine the cleanliness of the machine. Also, soak the towel in water at intervals and wring the water before you continue. Do this until you are certain that the whole frame is dirt and grease free.

6. Leave It to Air Dry Before polishing

Leaving the treadle to air dry ensures your sewing machine is rust-free. So, after you clean it with mild soapy water, you must leave it to air dry. This is because when you expose the metal to moisture, it causes corrosion.

Unfortunately, you may be unable to remove rust completely from metal if there is severe damage. So it is presumptuous to assume that the rust will disappear if you brush it a few times.

Consequently, it would help if you left the machine to air dry, or you can aid it by wiping it with a dry towel. You can leave it for a few hours before you complete the process. This way, the treadle base will dry correctly and moisture-free.

If you do this, it will increase your chances of having a rust-free sewing machine base. In addition, if you store it in a cool place, there will certainly be no rust attacks in the future.

7. Clean the Frame And Base with Machine Oil

It is best to clean the machine treadle with oil before you polish it. I prefer this method because it helps to remove any residual water on the machine’s surface. To do this, add drops of machine oil to the machine and wipe carefully with the towel.

Please focus on the treadle because it needs the most attention since that is where you place your feet. In addition, the feet carry most germs and dirt because they directly interact with the floor. Therefore you have to be deliberate about the dirt on the treadle.

The reason is that the water and soap may not remove the dirt effectively. But with the oil, you are well on your way to a squeaky treadle. So, rub the towel in back-and-forth motions on the treadle and frame until satisfied.

8. Polish the Frame And Base with Machine Oil Carefully

Next, you must polish the frame and treadle with machine oil to add finishing touches. This step involves you going over the machine again and wiping it with oil—Polish the machine to shine the metal.

It is important because it helps to improve your machine’s appearance. Also, it reduces the dark-brown stain of rust on the surface. Consequently, it helps you to achieve an excellent finish.

9. Lubricate the Hinges And Joints to Reduce Friction

One major thing to do is to lubricate the hinges and joints. The joints are responsible for the movement of the pedal and the wheels. It will not work if you do not lubricate the machine’s joints.

So, you must apply machine oil in specific spots on the machine for better performance. It also increases the lifespan and saves your ears from the squeaky sound that accompanies dry joints,

10. Assemble the Sewing Machine And Test to See That Everything Is in Place

After all those steps, your machine’s base and frame will be perfect. What you should do now is assemble the machine and test it. First, lift the machine head and place it on the board while ensuring the clip goes in the port.

Please wait until you secure it before you release your hand from holding the weight. Then, finally, you can test the pedal and wheel to see that it is working. Of course, except if there is an underlying problem, it should be as good as new.

If you notice a problem, call a professional, especially if you check the necessary things like the reel and thread.

Conclusion

The task of cleaning the treadle of the sewing machine base is not complicated. You have nothing to worry about if you disassemble the head from the body and wipe it correctly. However, it would help if you used as little water as possible. Ensure to substitute it with machine oil if the need arises.

Then finally, remember to service your sewing machine occasionally and replace broken parts.

It helps to prolong the lifespan and improve efficiency. This article is helpful to you when you are flustered about cleaning your vintage machine. Nonetheless, carefully following these steps outlined in this article should be helpful enough to revive your treadle sewing machine.