Spring Clean Your Spinning Tools & Equipment!

With the first signs of spring appearing, I have the urge to clean the things that bring me joy, my spinning tools. While a couple of my spinning wheels have been working faithfully on many projects, some I have barely used at all this year. A bit of TLC on all my wheels, spindles and tools will prepare them to be used in upcoming projects!

Gathering The Supplies

  • A lint-free rag or microfibre cloth
  • Murphy’s Multi-Use Wood Cleaning Spray
  • Tweezers
  • Cleaning brush (included with blending board and drum carder)
  • Hairbrush cleaner tool
  • Gloves, if you have sensitive skin
  • Mask and air purifier
    (always a good idea to protect your lungs, especially if you’re sensitive to allergens)
Cleaning supplies
Gathering my supplies for the annual spring cleaning of my spinning tools!

Cleaning Spinning Wheels, e-Spinners & Spindles

Before you start cleaning, check the manufacturer’s website. You should always follow the equipment’s specific maintenance recommendations.

Spinning Wheels

All equipment I have benefits from a good dusting with a clean microfibre cloth (or lint-free rag) at least every couple of months.

For my wood wheels, I apply 10 to 20-weight oil on the flyer shaft and bobbins. Since old oil can become sticky, every time I change my bobbin, I wipe the shaft clean with a microfibre cloth before lubricating again.

For a full wheel clean-up, I start by taking off the flyer and bobbin from the wheel. I use the multi-use cleaning spray on a microfibre cloth to wipe down my wheel and bobbins. Then, if my wood needs it, I protect it with Watco Danish Oil or Deft Wood Finish (always follow the product directions). I also check that all the gears are clean and free of fibre. I use tweezers to reach places that my fingers can’t reach.

This is a great time to check the condition of my drive band and tension band (if the wheel has one) and replace them if they’re showing wear. I keep two spare bands of each on hand. Whenever I use one, I replace it to keep my backups fully replenished. For the tension bands, I prefer using a nylon embroidery thread or crochet nylon #2, because it is easier to fine-tune the tension.

e-Spinners 

Always do maintenance and cleaning with the e-Spinners unplugged, and remember to check the manual and care recommendations.

Spindles

My collection of spindles is small, but I also take the time to clean them. This is a great time to give them a quick spin and to see if any need any minor repairs.

greta's wheels
When it comes to the springs, if they need replacing, I use the ones in the Ashford Maintenance Kit and the Ashford Brake Band Set.

Carding Cloth Equipment

For any wood surfaces, I follow the same procedure as for my wheels.

It’s good practice to always clean the carding cloth after use, before putting away any hand carders and other carding equipment. Any fibres left on the tools may attract moths and other critters, which find the cloth a perfect place to lay eggs. 

The cleaning brush included with my blending board is excellent for cleaning the carding cloth on all my carding equipment. I also like using a hairbrush cleaning tool to clean my Lock Pop between uses. Even when opening up clean locks, it gets quite dirty; I like to bring it to the compost bin to shake it, and most of the dust and vegetable matter falls out.

For the drum carder, after dusting and cleaning the wood as explained above, I use the drum carder cleaning brush to remove any fibre from both drums. The gears tend to accumulate fibres, even if I’m careful using them, so I use tweezers to remove all the fibres from the gears.

carding tool box
I also wash and dry the box where I keep all my hand carders, so everything is clean and ready.

And When the Temperatures Change….

Keep all tools out of the summer heat! When we were kids, my family stopped at a store after my sister’s viola practice. To our dismay, a couple of hours later, we discovered the tuning wax inside her viola case had melted and dried all over her instrument. Lesson learnt! If it’s a very hot summer day, don’t leave your tools and equipment in the car for hours. Likewise, keep your wheel out of direct sunlight and away from very damp or cold climates. Most equipment, regardless of materials, should be kept in a dry, moderate environment.

I hope spring cleaning gets you inspired to clean and prepare all your spinning tools, so next time you want to spin or prepare some fibre, you are ready to go. Not to mention, this is also an opportunity for you to rediscover equipment you may have forgotten about and find a project to use them again.

For additional steps in keeping your spinning wheels working smoothly, check out Katrina Stewart’s Tuning Up Your Wheel workshop at the School of SweetGeorgia.

Greta's wheel
Let us know in the community if your tools get a spring cleaning day.

Check out more of Greta’s articles here>>

The post Spring Clean Your Spinning Tools & Equipment! appeared first on SweetGeorgia Yarns.



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