Knitting machines are heavy-duty, industrial machines that are not cheap to buy or maintain. They’re also highly specialized in the kind of work they do. And while they can be challenging to use, they’re also some of the most versatile pieces of equipment a knitter can own. Unless, of course, you have a bunch of rusted knitting machine needles! If you find yourself with some rusty needles and need to know how to clean rusty knitting machine needles, you’ve come to the right place! Whether your needle is just starting to look dull or has become practically unusable after being left in water for too long, we’ve got all the information you need right here.
Why are my Knitting Machine Needles rusting?
There are a few different reasons why knitting machine needles might rust, but the most common is leaving them in water. Like all other types of needles, knitting machine needles are meant to be used once and then cleaned and stored away. If you’ve used a sewing machine before, you may have a similar experience. Sewing machines use special needles that are meant to be threaded through your fabric only once before being discarded. When knitting machine needles have been left in water for too long, the metal can corrode and turn a rust color. This damage can be permanent if not treated properly.
How to Clean Rusty Knitting Machine Needles?
All you need to do is remove the needles from the water, dry them off with a paper towel, and then remove the rust with a scrubbing pad or steel wool. It’s essential to obliterate the rust before you try to use the needles again because any remaining rust will continue to damage the needles. Once the needles are clean, they must be lubricated to prevent rust from forming again. You can use spray or liquid oil, depending on your type of needles. It’s also a good idea to store your knitting machine needles in a dry location, away from direct water sources. This way, you can prevent rust from forming again and save yourself some frustration in the future.
How to restore rusty knitting machine needles?
If you’ve tried cleaning your rusty knitting machine needles and nothing seems to be working, don’t worry. You may be able to restore your needles with a little bit of elbow grease and some cleaning products. To begin, remove your needles from the water and shake off any excess water. Then, use a soft scrubbing pad or steel wool to remove the rust. Once this is done, you can add a few drops of dish soap to a small sink or bucket filled with hot water. Submerge your needles in soapy water and scrub them with an old toothbrush until the rust has been completely removed. Once the rust has been removed, you can add a few drops of oil to your needles.