[annwlynn]

Hi I`m slowly getting my KM back to working. My question is can I use surgical spirit to clean it before I oil it ? If not then please what can I use instead thank you in advance ann

 

[susieknitter]

I always use surgical spirit on my machines. This was recommended to me by a machine engineer and I believe it is the safest and the best thing that you can use.

 

[Schnauzermom]

I have been reading up on cleaning a knitting machine as I have just bought a "pig in a poke" as they say here in the south. I bought a knitking machine with no information at all, but the price was too good to pass up. I'm sure it will need a good cleaning for starters. Is the spirits referred to the kind of alcohol I can buy at the drug store? I know that when this machine gets here I am going to need lots of help. I am so thankful I found such knowledgable people to talk to. I just hope that it will be something salvageable. Keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Entity]

I have been reading up on cleaning a knitting machine as I have just bought a "pig in a poke" as they say here in the south. I bought a knitking machine with no information at all, but the price was too good to pass up. I'm sure it will need a good cleaning for starters. Is the spirits referred to the kind of alcohol I can buy at the drug store? I know that when this machine gets here I am going to need lots of help. I am so thankful I found such knowledgable people to talk to. I just hope that it will be something salvageable. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Welcome to the forum! Yes, surgical spirit (UK) is the same as rubbing alcohol in the US.

It is alright to use rubbing alcohol on stainless steel area of the knitting machine. Avoid using any type of alcohol on plastic and rubber areas.

I normally apply oil in a cloth lightly and wipe it over the metal after cleaning. It helps to prevent rust if you leave in a humidity climate as I am. It also help the carriage to run by smoothly.

 

[Schnauzermom]

Thank you so much for your reply. Keep your fingers crossed for me and my venture.

 

[magsm]

you will find a lot of advice here
http://www.cardiknits.com/freebies_clean.html

 

[Hobbiknits]

Surgical spirit with a few drops of oil mixed in.

 

[knitwitch36]

Yes surical spirit is fine but i always use methylated spirits.I have been useing this on my machines for 27years and never had any problems.

 

[christine flo]

when i had my machine i used to clean with surgical spirit.then oil