Sewing machines are mechanical devices that experience a lot of wear and tear. They are often made of metal components that rub together, causing friction.
This friction can cause damage and lead to component failures. To prevent premature failure, it is important to routinely use sewing machine oils to maintain your machine.
Best Sewing Machine Oils for 2023 – 3 Top Picks
Best Overall
Liquid Bearings, The TOP Quality 100%-Synthetic Oil
The Liquid Bearings oil is a superior oil. It works just like ball bearings. The oil helps prevent friction and stops noises.
Premium Choice
Juki Genuine Defrix Sewing Machine Oil
This high-quality sewing oil is clear, and it does not leave a sticky residue behind.
Great Value
SINGER 2131E All Purpose Machine Oil
Singer 2131E is one of the best oil for sewing machines. You can use this sewing oil to lubricate your sewing machine as well as other appliances at home.
Important Things to Consider When Oiling a Sewing Machine
It is often recommended that you oil your sewing machine after every 8 hours of sewing. However, all machines are different. So, refer to your owner’s manual to determine exactly when you should oil your sewing machine.
Below are a few important things that apply to all sewing machines. Take all of these into consideration before you oil the machine.
- Always perform a thorough cleaning before oiling the sewing machine.
- Never clean or oil your sewing machine when it is plugged in.
- Wipe away any excess oil with a soft, clean cloth. Any excess oil that is left behind can damage your projects.
- If you need to disassemble the machine to get to parts, refer to your manual for instructions.
- Only use sewing machine oil. Never use car oil, WD-40 or cooking oil. These can ruin your machine.
- Do not use old sewing oil that has turned thick, yellowed, or has a bad odour.
Different Types of Sewing Machine Oils
Petroleum Based Sewing Machine Oil
The traditional sewing machine oil is petroleum based. This type of oil is made from components found in crude oil. When you use petroleum-based oil, wear gloves to protect your skin. And do not get it in your eyes.
Natural Sewing Machine Oil
Today, there are a large variety of sewing machine oils that are natural and safe. These products are made from natural oils such as coconut oil and olive oil. These oils are expertly mixed, so they do not damage your machine.
It is important you only buy premixed natural oils. Do not use oils you find in your home. These “kitchen” oils can gum up and damage your machine.
Benefits of Oiling Your Sewing Machine
Since the components in a sewing machine experience a lot of wear, they can greatly benefit from the oil. The oil will help safeguard the components, preventing failure.
Some benefits of oiling a sewing machine include:
- Prevents rusting
- Reduces friction between components
- Reduces noise
- Will increase the life of the sewing machine
- Your sewing machine will run more smoothly
10 Best Sewing Machine Oils for 2023
1. Lily White Sewing Machine Oil
Lily White oil is a superior, highly refined sewing oil that was designed to protect and lubricate industrial sewing machines.
Why We Like the Lily White Oil
This sewing oil was designed with textiles in mind. It will not stain your fabric if it happens to come in contact with it.
- Does Not Stain
When you use this, you will not have to worry about it staining your fabric. - Large Bottle
When you oil the machine regularly, you will go through a lot of oil. This jug of oil will last a long time. - Can be Used on Other Appliances
This sewing oil is versatile. It can also be used on other household appliances.
Pros and Cons of the Lily White Oil
Pros:
- For be used for commercial and non-commercial machines
- Made from non-detergent mineral oil.
- Has low viscosity
- Highly refined
- Will not stain fabric
- Large gallon jug can be used to refill small bottles
Cons:
- Package is known to leak
- You will have to purchase a small applicator bottle
2. SINGER 2131E All Purpose Machine Oil
When you buy Singer brand oil, you know you are getting a product you can trust.
Why We Like the Singer 2131E
It is a reliable product at an affordable cost.
- Trusted Brand
Singer is known for producing some of the best sewing machines. When you use this sewing oil you can feel confident you are not harming your machine. - Eliminated Friction
This oil is highly effective. It eliminates damaging friction. - Need Very Little
When you use this oil, you will only need to use a very small drop.
Pros and Cons of the Singer 2131E
Pros:
- All-purpose
- Easy to use bottle
- Prevents rusting
- Non-stick surface
- Can be used on other appliances
Cons:
- Nozzle is short
- Toxic
3. Juki Genuine Defrix Sewing Machine Oil
Juki manufactures some of the best sewing machines. And they know the importance of using good oil.
Why We Like the Juki Genuine Defrix
This is a high-quality oil that will not leave any sticky residue behind.
- Industrial Strength
This oil was designed for industrial machines. - No Stickiness
There is no sticky residue left behind. - Large Size
This bottle of oil will last you for a long time.
Pros and Cons of the Juki Genuine Defrix
Pros:
- High-quality
- Works with many brands of sewing machines
- Industrial strength
- Clear
- Mineral oil
- No stickiness
Cons:
- You will need to buy an applicator bottle
- Pricey
4. Liberty Oil, Sewing Machine Oil
Unlike some other sewing machine oils, Liberty Oil will not damage plastic.
Why We Like the Liberty Oil
The bottle is easy to squeeze, and the long stainless steel tip makes it easy to get into tight spaces.
- Needle Tip Dispenser
The needle tip dispenser makes it easy to get a tiny drop of oil into hard-to-reach spots. - Soft Bottle
You can easily squeeze the bottle and get the precise amount of oil. - 100% Synthetic
This sewing machine oil is composed of two friction modifiers that act like tiny ball bearings. This helps protect components and lessen friction.
Pros and Cons of the Liberty Oil
Pros:
- Needle tip dispenser
- Premium quality
- Non-staining oil
- Easy-to-squeeze bottle
- 100% Synthetic
- Can be used on plastics
Cons:
- Needs to be used more frequently
5. Dritz Sewing Machine Oil
The Dritz Sewing Machine Oil provides protection against oxidation and rust.
Why We Like the Dritz Sewing Machine Oil
This product has a long telescoping spout that makes oiling your machine easy.
- Flexible Spout
The flexible spout makes it easy to get oil into hard-to-reach areas. - Extending Spout
You can extend the spout of the bottle from 2 to 9 inches. This gives you the ability to oil components you were unable to reach before. - Multi-purpose
You can use this multi-purpose oil on other household appliances.
Pros and Cons of the Dritz Sewing Machine Oil
Pros:
- Flexible spout
- Extending spout
- Multi-purpose oil
Cons:
- Hard to control the flow
6. Liquid Bearings, The TOP Quality 100%-Synthetic Oil
Liquid bearing works just like ball bearing. It helps to stop friction and noises.
Why We Like the Liquid Bearing Synthetic Oil
Since there are 2 different size needle dispensers, you can get into various parts with ease.
- Non-Gumming
This non-gumming oil will not leave a solid residue behind that can damage your sewing machine. - Leak Free Design
The unique twist on and off design helps to prevent leakage. - 2 Needle Sizes
2 needle sizes make it easier for you to get into hard-to-reach spots.
Pros and Cons of the Liquid Bearing Synthetic Oil
Pros:
- Rust-resistant and corrosion-resistant
- No strong odour
- 2 Needle sizes
- Never becomes gummy
- Cures slow-speed stalling and humming
Cons:
- Small bottle
- Stains
- Has an odour
7. Zoom Spout Sewing Machine Oiler
When oiling a sewing machine one thing you worry about is staining. With this oil, you do not have to thoroughly clean up all excess oil.
Why We Like the Zoom Spout Sewing Machine Oiler
The telescoping spout and ease of use make this one of our favourite sewing machine oils.
- Telescoping Spout
The long, flexible telescoping spout makes it easy to apply oil to hard-to-reach places. - Simple to Apply
The design of the packaging makes the oil easy to apply the correct amount of oil effortlessly. - Stainless
This oil will not stain your fabric.
Pros and Cons of the Zoom Spout Sewing Machine Oiler
Pros:
- All-purpose lubricating oil
- Stainless
- Non-gumming
- Clear
- Rust and oxidation inhibited
- Telescoping spout
Cons:
- Price
- Toxic
- Bottle is known to leak
8. Stainless Sewing Machine Oil
This UniKitchen sewing machine oil was specifically designed for sewing machines.
Why We Like the Stainless Sewing Machine Oil
This sewing machine oil will work with most sewing machines with no issues.
- Non-Toxic
You will not have to worry about getting this sewing machine oil on your skin. It is only made with safe non-toxic ingredients. - Long-Lasting
The UniKitchen Sewing Machine oil was engineered to provide optimal performance and last for a long time. - Cleans up Easily
If you happen to spill this oil, it easily cleans up with a damp cloth.
Pros and Cons of the Stainless Sewing Machine Oil
Pros:
- Designed for long-term protection
- Non-toxic
- No colour or scent
- Cleans up easily
- Multi-purpose
Cons:
- Tip makes it hard to apply
- Need to supply your own applicator
- Price
9. Diamond White Sewing Machine Oil
This low-viscosity oil is ideal for commercial use as well as home use. It is a highly refined and non-detergent mineral oil.
Why We Like the Diamond Sewing Machine Oil
If you have multiple sewing machines, the Diamond White machine oil is a bargain.
- Commercial Quality
This oil was developed for commercial machines. It is strong and will keep your machine running smoothly. - Non-Staining
If any of this sewing machine oil gets onto your fabric project, you can wash it off. - 1 Gallon Container
This product is a bargain.
Pros and Cons of the Diamond White Machine Oil
Pros:
- Large 1 gallon bottle
- Non-staining
- Washable
- Low-viscosity
- Mineral oil
Cons:
- You will need to supply your own applicator
- Toxic on skin or inhaled
- Fumes
10. Zipper Stop Lily White Sewing Machine Oil
Lily White oil is one of the best oils to prevent friction, oxidation and rust.
Why We Like the Zipper Stop Lily White Sewing Machine Oil
When sewing, the last thing you should have to worry about is your sewing machine ruining your fabric. This sewing machine oil is stainless and odourless.
- Stainless
This sewing machine oil by Lily White, will not stain your fabric. - 1 Gallon Jug
You will have enough oil to last you for a long time. - Multipurpose
This sewing machine oil is versatile. It can be used on mechanical parts of other household machines.
Pros and Cons of the Zipper Stop Lily White Sewing Machine Oil
Pros:
- Low viscosity
- Large bottle
- Stainless
- Odourless
Cons:
- You will need your own applicator
Best Sewing Machine Oils for 2023 – 3 Top Picks
Best Overall
Liquid Bearings, The TOP Quality 100%-Synthetic Oil
The Liquid Bearings sewing machine oil is a superior oil. It works just like ball bearings. The oil helps prevent friction and stops noises.
Premium Choice
Juki Genuine Defrix Sewing Machine Oil
This high-quality sewing machine oil is clear, and it does not leave a sticky residue behind.
Great Value
SINGER 2131E All Purpose Machine Oil
Singer 2131E is one of the best oil for sewing machines. You can use this sewing machine oil to lubricate your sewing machine as well as other appliances at home.
Check out the Best Sewing Machine Brands here.
PROTECT YOUR SEWING MACHINE WITH REGULAR CLEANINGS AND BY USING THE BEST SEWING MACHINE OILS
Sewing machine oil has been specifically formatted to protect the working components of a sewing machine. It will keep your machine running smoothly and quietly. If you clean and oil your machine regularly, it should last for years to come.
You can also take care of your sewing machine with a sewing machine bag. And if your looking for sewing projects check out our Facebook Page for easy and fun sewing ideas.
Every sewing machine is different. Each one comes with detailed instructions on how to care for it. The instructions should tell you when and how to clean and oil your machine. So, when it is time to lubricate the parts, only use the best sewing machine oils to prevent component failures.
