I am an affiliate. This means if you click on a link on this website and make a purchase I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting my work.If you’ve ever been elbow-deep in a blanket project only to have your Sentro knitting machine start skipping stitches like it’s rebelling against your life choices, you’re not alone. These handy little circular knitting contraptions can be absolute magic—until they aren’t. The truth is, your Sentro needs love. And by love, I mean regular maintenance.
Let’s talk about how to keep your Sentro spinning happily with a little TLC and some oil – it’s probably holding on to more yarn crumbs than you thought possible.
1. Why Machine Maintenance Matters (Yes, Even for a Plastic Yarn Donut)
Your Sentro works hard. It’s cranking through row after row at warp speed. All that motion generates friction, pulls in lint, and wears down parts. Without maintenance, your machine will get cranky (pun intended). Skipped stitches, clicking sounds, stiff cranks, or dropped rows are often signs that your Sentro is overdue for a spa day.
2. How Often Should You Clean and Oil Your Sentro?
If you’re using your machine regularly (a few times a week), aim for:
- Light cleaning: Every 1-2 projects
- Deep cleaning and oiling: Once a month or after about 10+ hours of use
If it starts making weird noises or feels harder to crank, that’s your machine begging for attention.
3. Tools You’ll Need (No, You Can’t Use Cooking Spray)
- Small screwdriver (to remove the screws on the casing)
- Soft brush or makeup brush (for dusting lint)
- Cotton swabs and lint-free cloth
- Sewing machine oil
- Optional: Tweezers, canned air, and a podcast to keep you company
4. Step-by-Step: Cleaning and Oiling Your Sentro
Step 1: Unplug It From the Yarn World
Remove any yarn, project, or tension setup. You want the machine empty and neutral.
Step 2: Remove the Case
Using your screwdriver, remove the screws around the top and bottom casing. Gently lift the lid to expose the inner gears and carriage. Don’t worry—it actually is as scary as it looks.
🌪 Step 3: Sweep the Crumbs
Use a soft brush or cotton swab to remove:
- Yarn fuzz balls (technical term: “crank crud”)
- Dust
- Random thread bits that crawled in there while you weren’t looking
Pay special attention to under the gear wheels and near the needle track. You’ll be surprised at what’s hiding under there.
You can also use canned air or a air compressor to blow away the crank crud.
Step 4: Oil It Like It’s a 1950s Bike Chain
You can further disassmeble your sentro to oil it up but I am not a fan of this – to me, it’s more work than needed. Instead, I reassemble and then add the oil.
Add a tiny drop of sewing machine oil to the backside of every single pin. Wipe of the excess really well with a clean, dry, lint free cloth. Crank your machine several times and then wipe it well again.
Don’t overdo it. A little goes a long way.
Extra Tips for Keeping Your Sentro Happy
- Store it covered when not in use to avoid dust build-up.
- Avoid forcing the crank if the yarn gets stuck—backtrack and gently fix it.
- Use smooth, medium-weight yarns. Fuzzy yarn = more lint = more cleaning.
Final Thoughts (a.k.a. The Part Where I Get Sentimental About Plastic)
Taking care of your Sentro isn’t just about machine longevity—it’s about maintaining your sanity. A clean, well-oiled machine means fewer tantrums (from both of you), smoother projects, and more time to do what we love: make cool stuff with yarn and swear quietly when we drop a stitch.
So show your machine a little love, and it’ll love you back. Or at least won’t launch yarn shrapnel at your face.
