Antique Singer sewing machines work much like modern sewing machines. They contain moving parts, a bobbin and an electrical cord. To keep your sewing machine looking clean, polish it on a regular basis. The first time you polish your antique Singer machine you will need to clean the machine thoroughly. Polishing a dirty machine leads to an undesirable appearance and may cause dirt to stick to the machine for an extended period of time.

Place a newspaper on a flat, level table. Set your Singer sewing machine on this table.

Clean the shiny metal parts of your antique Singer sewing machine using brass cleaner. Dip a clean towel in brass cleaner and rub the towel over the shiny metal parts. Wipe the metal parts with a clean towel.

Hold a can of compressed air about 4 inches away from the sewing machine's bobbin case. Pull the trigger to blow dust out of the bobbin case. Move the can of compressed air around the bobbin case to completely remove the lint.

Insert a flathead screwdriver into the faceplate's screw. Turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise to remove the screw. Pry the faceplate off the Singer. Dip a rag in kerosene and wipe the underside of the face plate with the rag. Wipe the underside with a clean towel.

Oil the moving parts under the faceplate using WD-40. Place the faceplate over the moving parts. Insert the screw and turn it clockwise using a flathead screwdriver.

Polish the machine with car wax or sewing machine oil. Apply the wax or oil to the sewing machine using a clean towel.