Top 15 Best Sewing Machine Oils

You may think of oiling your sewing machines as a challenging task, but it’s quite straightforward. If you’re starting to make stuff from your sewing machine, you should definitely look forward to lubricating it. That way, your tool can last longer and your product’s quality can, at the same time, improve by a huge margin. The process has some key elements, but it’s greatly dependent on your machine and oil choice.

As a result, we’ve collected some tips on doing the task properly to take care of your sewing machine. Our list of the best 10 sewing machine oil products is updated to the latest trend, so you can have many options to consider.

Best Sewing Machine Oil Comparison Chart

To make comparisons simple, take a look at our simplified table for our top products.

Top 15 Best Sewing Machine Oil Reviews

As these products come in contact directly with the parts inside your sewing machine, you should do some thorough research before buying one. In our list, we’ve carefully sorted and chosen the best to suit your needs.

Zoom-SPOUT Sewing Oil

(Best Budget)

If a bottle of mineral oil is on your mind, then this one is going to be great. It’s highly refined and contains absolutely no detergent. With this oil, you can maintain the condition of your sewing machine with relative ease and comfort. You won’t have to put much effort into the process.

This oil is perfect for sewing machines. What is more, if you’re going to use it for other fabric-related content, it will perform well. It’s colorless and quite pure at the same time, so you won’t have to worry about the oil ruining your craft. Moreover, home machines or industrial counterparts can adapt well to Zoom-SPOUT oil.

To sum up, you’re going to be happy with this oil if your target is an affordable and functional product. The Zoom-SPOUT sewing machine oil has smooth performance, which will improve your gear to a remarkable extent.

SINGER 2131E All Purpose Oil

(Best Choice)

If you don’t want to go through strenuous researching for the perfect sewing machine oil, then this product is going to save the day. It’s an all-purpose exclusive oil to keep your sewing machine running at a steady pace. The good thing is, you won’t have to think or do much – the application is pretty straightforward, to be honest.

This oil protects metal pieces of your sewing machine from dust, rust, and friction. Along with it, you can also use the SINGER 2131E oil on other machines as well. Some honorable mentions are knitting machines, computers, vacuum cleaners, and so on. You will love it straight away.

Overall, if you want to take care of your sewing machines while having to care for other gadgets as well, this oil is the best bet. Multifunctional products save your time and effort, so there’s no apparent reason to dislike the SINGER 2131E All Purpose Machine Oil. Furthermore, Singer is a well-known sewing machine manufacturer, which gives itself a nice trust factor you can consider.

Zoom Spout Oiler Sewing Oil

(Best Budget)

This is another great product from Zoom. This all-purpose oil can serve your sewing machine well, and other household tools also benefit from it. Experts in the industry are all favorable of this oil, and users love it.

This oil protects your machines from oxidation and improves friction. The non-gumming texture and long tube help this oil reach even the hardest place. Furthermore, it’s clear in color, so there’s no chance that the oil will mess with your fabric over time.

Feel free to check out this sewing machine oil. We’re sure that you’ll love it as much as the community does.

Lily White Sewing Oil

(Best for Industrial Machines)

We’d describe this product as the best for those who are beginning to use sewing machines. Furthermore, Lily White is already a pretty popular oil brand out there, so its quality shows. Thanks to its low viscosity, it is best equipped for fabric-related machines.

There’s no reason to worry about when you use this oil. If you over-apply, it doesn’t mess up your machine, but you should wipe away the excess substance anyway. It’s intended for industrial use, but you can trust this one when it comes to your home setup.

If this is the first time that you buy a sewing machine oil, Lily White is the best you can get. It’s straightforward, safe and effective. If you work with high intensity, buy this in bulk to save time having to order another bottle.

Dritz Sewing Oil

(Best for Machine Protection)

Dritz should be regarded as one of the best brands for machinery lubrication. Their sewing machine oil offer is an all-round substance in combatting oxidation and metal rust. The oil forms an extra layer that protects your metal parts from future damage. Along with your sewing machine, you can use Dritz oil on other household appliances. Thanks to its smooth operation, this oil is the lifesaver you’ll ever need.

The 4 oz bottle is more than enough to store this sewing machine oil. Its spout is telescopic, meaning that it can extend up to 9″ to reach the hardest spot you can have.

Experienced users are favorable for this product. Therefore, there should be minimal worries for you if you decide to get the Dritz Sewing Machine Oil. It’s one of the best nowadays.

Liberty Sewing Oil

(Easiest Usage)

On the market today, you can find reviews and recommendations to get a bottle of Liberty oil. In fact, this has been one of the most purchased machine oil over a few years up to now. It’s 100% synthetic and works like a charm against rust, friction, and oxidation.

This oil is safe on plastic and painted surfaces that are in continuous motions. Especially, the manufacturer included a 60-day no question return policy – that way, you can change your product to get a functionally better one.

Anyway, we don’t think that you will need to do that. The reputation of Liberty oil is high enough to make it the top-notch choice for sewing machines. Synthetic oil is better than mineral and natural counterparts, and Liberty is the best of its kind.

For easy operation, you get a stainless steel dispenser and another longer one to reach deep spots. It’s a precise tool, to be fair, and you won’t have to worry about the mess, too. Liberty oil is pretty clean to use.

Pure & Clean Sewing Oil

(Best for Beginners)

This is the sewing machine oil for you if you want to keep your tool running smoothly. It adds years to your machine’s lifetime with incredible performance.

The given spout makes any hard-to-reach spots a piece of cake. Therefore, it’s perfect for lubricating metal parts of your machine. Furthermore, no matter if your machine is home use or industrial use, this oil can handle it with relative comfort.

Don’t be hesitant to get this oil if you’re a beginner. You will absolutely love it since the first lubrication.

White Diamond Industrial Sewing Machine Oil

(Best for Industrial Machines)

This is a top-notch American oil that you can use for high-speed lubrication. Although it was intended for industrial use, your home sewing machine can use Quart Lily oil without any problems.

If you’re worried about the oil coming into contact with your craft, it’s fine. The Quart Lily Oil has a low viscosity and possesses a water-white color. Therefore, it’s ideal for textile machinery in general, and your sewing machine in particular.

Overall, this product is an all-purpose yet effective substance for your sewing machine. It’s easy to use as well, so you won’t need extra help whatsoever.

HELMAR Sewing Machine Oil

(Multi-Purpose Choice)

If you want to go for a budget-friendly oil, then this one is your best bet. No matter if you’re lubricating machines at home or work, the HELMAR oil can excel at every task you have in mind. What is more, this product can take care of other items like bicycles or door locks.

If the multi-functionality of this oil isn’t enough to impress you, take a look at some users’ reviews. In general, this machine oil is well-received by the public. We’re sure that it’s going to work well on your sewing machine. In fact, you may not want to switch to another brand of oil.

It’s affordable yet high-quality. Your sewing machine will profit from it, and we’re confident to tell that it’s going to last for many years to come!

Juki Genuine Defrix Sewing Oil

(Best for Juki Machines)

This one is probably the best investment you can have for a sewing machine oil choice. It comes at a slightly higher price, but the quality really shows. It’s recommended by the pros and beginners, so let’s see if it performs like advertised. The brand is popular, so you can make up your mind quickly.

The oil itself is a lightweight substance. It’s also clear and odorless, so your fabric designs won’t get damaged by the product. Keep in mind, though, that this is specially designed for industrial use.

Please consult your sewing machine manufacturer if you plan to use this oil on your home tool.

Anyway, some users complain about this product’s design. It comes in a big container, and there’s some difficulty getting the oil out. Other than that, there’s nothing particularly bad about this sewing machine oil.

Liquid Bearings Sewing Oil

(Best Synthetic Oil)

This synthetic option will keep your machine running quickly. What is more, its synthetic base protects your machine from dust buildup. Even at low-speeds, your machine won’t have the chance to stall.

There are three needles to dispense the oil to your machine. The variety of dispensers allows you to reach deep spots inside your sewing machine’s engine. Therefore, you can save time and effort by a significant margin.

The oil is compatible with plastic parts. What is more, it doesn’t contain any strong smell. The container, though, can be a little underwhelming at just 2 ounces. With intensive use, you may feel the need to get another bottle to increase.

Diamond White Sewing Oil

(Best for Multiple Machines)

This oil product comes in a 1-gallon container. We’d consider it a bargain, as the oil is so effective and affordable. If you own multiple sewing machines, then this is your best bet. The substance will last for a long time.

It has low viscosity which is suitable for fabric-related machines. Any industrial or home tools can cope with this oil easily and effectively. If some drops find their way to your craft, don’t worry as they wash away completely.

Keep in mind, though, that you would want to not inhale the fume of this sewing machine oil. In the long run, that can damage your breathing and overall health.

What Are the Kinds of Sewing Machine Oil Nowadays?

It’s not always optimal to get the first sewing machine oil that you see. Instead, you should do some research to find out the best one that’s compatible with your tool. There are three main types of oil, which are mineral, synthetic, and natural.

Mineral Oil

This is the most popular sewing machine oil you can find on the market today. It’s an all-around lubrication. However, if you don’t use the oil properly, it can backfire on your machine. It’s not well-purified, so excess material can build up in your tool. Therefore, frequent cleaning is advised.

Also known as petroleum oil, mineral oil is a vaseline-based substance. The clearest benefit, to be fair, lies in its low cost. It also contains no extra toxic ingredients or fumes. Therefore, your future project won’t get damaged.

If you have a child, remember to keep him or her away from any chemical container. Anyway, if your child happens to spill mineral oil, there’s no clear harm whatsoever. Mineral oil is pretty safe compared to other types of machine lubrications you can find out there.

Interestingly, sewing machine companies will sell there own brand of mineral oil. For example, you can use Brother oil on a Brother sewing machine. Anyway, it’s not obligatory, as you can use any brand you trust. This makes mineral oil a highly compatible choice for your needs.

Synthetic Oil

While mineral oil will melt plastic components, synthetic oil can lubricate them. Synthetic oil is the right choice for polishing plastic, and it minimizes thread breakage.

This kind of oil costs a little extra than mineral oil, but the advantages outweigh the price. It protects your machine from corrosion and all sorts of damages. For high-intensity usage, a bottle of synthetic oil is a blessing!

Natural Oil

While you may be one who enjoys natural products, using natural oil for your sewing machine may not be the best choice.

It may not work properly, as the ingredients to manufacture one bottle of natural oil can be jojoba, ester or silicone. Your machine won’t profit much from these kinds of oil, as dust will become thicker over time. If you don’t mix the oil properly, there’s a good chance that your machine will stall anytime.

What’s Viscosity?

If you don’t get the meaning, let us provide a quick example. For a low viscosity fluid, think of water. It spreads instantly and evenly when you pour it onto a surface. The opposite of that is syrup, which will stay put unless you apply some force, and it feels pretty thick.

For the best sewing machine oil products, the manufacturers will make sure that the oil’s viscosity is safe for your gears. Usually, you don’t need to worry much about this attribute, but it’s good to know.

Why Should You Use Sewing Machine Oil?

If you’ve had your machines for years or just a few months, you should learn how to lubricate it.

Proper usage of sewing machine oil can extend the lifetime of your machine. With all components lubricated, friction has less chance to cause damage to your tool. If you don’t put enough oil to your sewing machine, there’s a risk of overheating, which can lead to a serious flame.

The cause of this is metal parts gliding over each other. If there isn’t anything to make it smooth, they can even break apart, which is not good at all. Therefore, the need to use a good product of sewing machine oil is inevitable. However, oiling with the best sewing machine oil proves to be the best bet.

Moreover, a well-oiled sewing machine improves your precision, which in turn profits your crafts. With professionals, high-speed sewing means higher productivity, and it reduces error to a tiny amount.

How often you oil your machine depends on the frequency at which you use it. For an average routine, you should aim to lubricate your gear three times a week. For professionals, though, it’s best to lubricate before a sewing session.

However, note that you won’t want to over-oil your sewing machine. The excess substance can drip to your next project. For clear color oil, this won’t be anything so awful, but with others, that’s a disaster. What is more, more oil doesn’t mean more lubrication.

Heavily applying oil can result in the opposite. The excess fluid will gum up and get stuck inside your machine. It’s a pity to get your sewing machine repaired for what was intended to prevent that from happening. For a beginner, if this is your first time to lube a sewing machine, do it every 50h.

Steps You Can Take to Lube Your Sewing Machine

You can’t just pour the oil in and hope that it’s going to work. To get the most out of your lube, it’s necessary to follow these steps:

1. Clean Your Machine Thoroughly

A clean sewing machine allows the oil to penetrate deeper into its components.

Before you clean it, remember to unplug the power cord. Use a stiff brush and a lint-free cloth to start the process. You should stick to the manufacturer’s manual. Anyway, if you don’t have it at hand, begin to disassemble the machine first. Start with the thread, bobbin case, throat and stitch plate, the extension table, needle, and pedal. Then, oil the machine with care.

2. Lubricating Your Sewing Machine Correctly

After your machine is bright and shiny, proceed to this step. To prevent over-oiling, please follow our simple steps below.

First, use your hand wheel to determine which part you should lubricate. Take your oil and put at most 2 drops to a moving part. It’s important to determine the areas which will build up friction.

Use your lint-free cloth to wipe the excess substance.

After that, you need to let your sewing machine stay still for the oil to distribute evenly. Reassemble the machine, and you’re ready to go again.

That was just a general guide, and sewing machine brands may indicate a particular spot to receive oil. Stick to your manual.

3. Repeat the Process

Don’t expect to lube once and never worry about it again. For your sewing machine to work well, you need to keep the lubrication occasional.

Some Helpful Tips to Oiling Your Sewing Machine

Besides the products and the application steps, we’d like to introduce some tips on sewing machine oil.

• If you’re unsure about how to do the cleaning and oiling correctly, rely on the instruction manual. Any sewing machine manufacturer will specify it in some pages that can be found right away. If not, go online for instructions. Some sites are solely about sewing machines, so prepare to get some useful guides there!
• Take it easy on the disassembling process. Don’t rush, or you’ll mess up the components inside. Furthermore, it reduces the chance of something goes missing in the process. The same thing goes for the oiling counterpart. Careful operation is vital.
• Disconnect the power line before you do anything above. Any power leakage is lethal. Also, make sure that no excess oil is dripping when you’re working. They can allow electricity to pass through, and it’s going to be awful if you’re on the line.
• Stay away from car oil, WD-40 and cooking oil. This may be a silly tip, but don’t take this lightly. Sometimes, you may find yourself stuck between those choices. It’s best to get to a nearby hardware store and get a genuine bottle of the best sewing machine oil. Especially, WD-40 is a risky approach. It can make components oxidize more quickly instead of the opposite effect. Because the substance is designed for rust removal, it doesn’t help lubricate the components inside your sewing machine.
• Get ready to grab a rag or towel in case you over-oil. Do it quickly so that the oil won’t drip into your machine’s wires.
• Lastly, make sure your oil isn’t outdated. You can notice it by looking at the expiry date on the package. Anyway, if you don’t have it the moment you refill the oil, check the color, fluid consistency, and smell. If your oil is still clear and emits no foul odor, it’s generally safe to use, and if it spreads into layers, you should throw the package away for good.

Conclusion

There you have it, a complete guide to choosing the best sewing machine oil products. We hope it can clear away any questions you have.

The products we feature in this post are all high-quality and verified by loads of users. Do some research to find out the best that suits your needs.

Finally, be sure that you get the right product. The risk of fake oil is low, but not to the point of disappearance. You should search online for reviews first, and do some following check.

Feel free to share the article with anyone who’s struggling with sewing machine oiling. Good luck and have fun!