Sewing machines have a lot of moving parts, and it is not uncommon to be concerned when it starts to let off a smell that you aren’t familiar with. If you notice a burning smell coming from your sewing machine, this is not normal, and you should check it out immediately.
So, why does your sewing machine smell like it’s burning? One of the reasons your sewing machine has a burning smell might have to do with a short in the wiring. This is the most common reason, especially if you are seeing smoke as well. You need to stop sewing immediately and check the wiring.
You might also notice a burning smell if you have recently oiled the gears of your sewing machine. If you have recently oiled, it is common that you will be smelling the oil heat up as you use your machine for the first time. The smell might also come from the fabric, as some synthetic fabrics can smell like burning rubber.
Can a Sewing Machine Catch on Fire?
A sewing machine is like a lot of other machines. If you don’t take care of it properly, just about anything can happen to it. Even though you might see smoke coming out of your machine, it is not likely that it will end up catching on fire. While it’s not impossible, it is a low chance.
Can Sewing Machines Overheat?
Sewing machines have a lot of different parts that rub together when the sewing machine is running. This is going to cause friction and generate heat. This is normal, but there are some instances that the sewing machine gets too hot.
My favorite sewing machine I’ve ever used is this Singer Sewing Machine. It hasn’t had any problems in the last few years of owning it. I highly recommend reliable brads like Singer or Brother.
Sewing machines can easily overheat if they are not taken care of properly or overworked. When a sewing machine reaches the point of overheating, it will likely malfunction, damage your project, and potentially injure you.
There are some signs that will let you know if your sewing machine is overheating. The easiest way to tell if your sewing machine is overheating is the sound it makes. Since the parts of the sewing machine create friction, you will likely hear a clunky or grinding sound.
The smell is also an indicator that your machine is overheating. As the machine starts to heat up, you will notice a smell like burnt oil or rubber. Your machine will also get hot to the touch if it is overheating. Place your hand over the motor area and you will feel heat it your machine is too hot.
Can I Store My Sewing Machine on Its Side?
When you store your sewing machine, it is possible that you won’t always be able to place it upright. If you need to store your sewing machine on its side due to lack of space, or any other reason, your sewing machine will be completely fine.
If you are going to travel with the sewing machine on its side, there are some potential risks that might be involved. The bobbin casing can potentially move around and get damaged. It is not a huge chance, but it is possible. Take extra precautions by adding some extra padding around the bobbin during travel.
Why Is My Sewing Machine Motor Overheating?
There are several reasons that your sewing machine might be overheating. If you think your sewing machine is starting to overheat, you should turn it off and immediately inspect it to find the problem.
The longer you use your sewing machine in one sitting, the more heat there will be generated. This means that the longer you use your sewing machine, the higher chance it will overheat. Extended use isn’t the only reason your sewing machine might overheat.
Sewing machines have different parts, including thread. When you sew, it is possible for pieces of the thread to make their way into different parts of the sewing machine. When the thread gets stuck in motorized parts, the friction is increased inside the machine.
Another reason your sewing machine might overheat is from lack of proper care and lubrication. The lubrication works to reduce the friction of the moving parts and helps them move easier together. As you use your machine, the lubricants break down and become less effective. This will create more friction, leading to overheating.
What Is the Proper Way to Store a Sewing Machine?
Sewing machines are delicate, so it is important to store them properly. Before putting your sewing machine away, it is a good idea to clean and oil the machine. It is important to unplug the sewing machine before you clean it for safety purposes.
When the sewing machine is unplugged, take the throat plate out. This is where you will find most of the dust and fabric fibers. Using a lint brush, remove all the dust from the crevices of your machine. It is not recommended to use air to clean the machine, as this can push the dust and dirt further in.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the machine, you can oil the sewing machine. The oil is a lubricant to help the pieces move easier and relieve some of the friction that wears down the parts. After you apply the lubricant, you will need to cover the machine.
This Singer Oil is perfect for lubricating your sewing machine.
If you have a cover case for your sewing machine, it will provide extra protection to your sewing machine while it is being stored. If you don’t have one, you can also use a fabric cover. If you don’t have one of those either, you can use an old towel. Covering the machine is important for keeping dust and dirt off.
Check out this heavy duty and durable sewing machine cover. It fits most standard sewing machines.
Make sure you keep your sewing machine in a space with a moderate temperature. If the machine is exposed to extreme temperatures, it will be at a higher risk for rust. Keep it in a dry place, too. The room should not have much moisture.
Do Sewing Machines Go Bad?
When you make an investment in buying a sewing machine, you will want to know how long it will last. While sewing machines can go bad, it depends on where you store it and how you take care of it. The average life of a sewing machine is about 5 years.
Many of the very high-quality sewing machines have the capability to last much longer than the regular average. For example, there are some vintage sewing machines that are still usable after 40 years. With the proper maintenance, your sewing machine can last for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Sewing machines have a lot of moving parts that rub against each other during use. While it is normal to notice a smell sometimes, it is not normal to notice a burning smell. This could mean that you have a wiring issue, not enough lubrication, or overuse.
Your sewing machine also has the ability to overheat. This can happen due to improper maintenance, sewing too long in one sitting, or pieces of thread getting stuck in the machine. If you think your machine is overheating, you can be sure by touching the motor area to see if it is hot.
To protect your sewing machine, perform proper maintenance on it and always clean it before storing it. If you need to store it on its side, you can. Be sure to store it in a room that has very little moisture and is a moderate temperature.
Make sure to follow my tips and recommend products to ensure your sewing project turns out amazing! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your sewing Q&A’s. Happy sewing!