Question from SVE
I’ve been keeping track of the “Sewing Machine Oil” thread on Debra’s website because I have an old 1960s Singer that uses the standard petrochemical oil that is difficult for me to use because of the off-gassing of the oil while I try to sew.
My daughter bought a Brother sewing machine a couple years ago at Costco that was a special with a coupon. She said Costco seems to have this sale each summer (July or August?). I sat down beside her while she was running the machine and didn’t seem to have a problem with it although I’ve heard that new machines use oil, too, and they are made of plastic. I plan to borrow her machine for a couple weeks to see what happens, then buy the Brother on sale this summer if I don’t have a problem with it. But I’m pretty leery about my plan (that I may not carry out!).
Does anyone who is chemically sensitive use a new sewing machine without having problems with the oil or the plastic? Debra, what hazards should I anticipate with a new machine? Do you know if any sewing machine brands are better than others?
Debra’s Answer
I don’t have personal experience with this. Readers?
This is an update on the Brother sewing machine in 2009… I did buy the exact sewing machine my daughter owned, gave it to her and took her older one. Cost was about $170 – very cheap, very light weight. Used it for several years regularly but it broke a couple years ago.
I called our local Viking Husqvarna dealer after researching many machines online looking for one that did not require my changing the oil. The higher priced Husqvarna sewing machines have the oil contained inside and is changed by the dealer when it’s taken in for cleaning and/or repair. I asked the dealer about all of the substances used in manufacturing the machine – plastics, metals, etc., and explained about my MCS. He guaranteed that if I had a reaction of any kind to this machine, I could return it for a full refund. I took it home and never have had a problem – don’t seem to react to the hard plastic in this machine or, apparently, anything else within it. I’m still sewing regularly and love it – the Viking Husqvarna Opal 670.
Can’t be sure others won’t react. It depends on a person’s personal chemical sensitivities, I assume. One note – I asked the dealer what he used to clean this machine. He gave me the name of the spray cleaner uses on the outside surfaces. I looked it up, called him back and asked if he could spray mine with plain water (when it needed a cleaning). He said yes, to remind him at the time. He also told me that he “brushes” the insides, but I will be sure to ask him the details about this, too, when the time comes.
I just purchased a new Brother serger and the plastic housing on the machine smells terrible! I’m an expert on resins and have been using them for 20+ years with great caution and proper precaution with my art. This housing is an exceptionally cheap variety of urethane and the smell is very strong. I’m going to try to gass it off outside for a few days before using it. P U! If I cannot use it in a week, I’m sending it right back to Amazon. JMJ you would think we had better regulations imported product. In my line of work, I would never recommend exposing one’s self to VOC’s like this on a daily basis without serious ventilation!!
I just purchased a Pfaff Ambition Essentiall and it smells horrible like Napthalene . I have let it air outside and in the basement and it’s better but still smells. I think I will have to return it and hope they exchange it. Might try a Bernina I’ve heard the are better quality.