A knitting machine is a friend who enables you to accomplish things that you would never be able to finish on your own. As such it needs a few moments of special care to keep it in top condition. 1. After prolonged storage and at least annually while in active use, check the sponge bar or needle retainer bar in your knitting machine. (Refer to the manual.) It should have approximately ¼ to ½ inch of sponge and be uniform for most of its length with no permanent needle marks or bends. Sponge bars do wear out with the passage of time as well as with use. A new sponge bar is especially important to Brother/Knitking machine owners using a Garter Carriage or any machines using the Lace Carriage option. (Please note for those of you still owning a Toyota machine, the Silver-Reed sponge bar can be used. 2. Most machines will also require oiling. Always use only an approved Knitting Machine oil or spray, like Lori-Lin’s Knitting Machine Lube. (NEVER USE WD 40, 3 in 1, or sewing machine oil.) Silver/Singer/Studio machines require slightly more oil than Brother/Knitking models. It is recommended that you wipe the bed first with alcohol and a lint free cloth to remove old oil and debris. If using the original oil use your finger or a lint-free cloth to place it on the back carriage rail, quite liberally for Silver Machines or more sparingly for Brother Machines. (Note if your original oil is yellow in color, do not use it. It has turned rancid or been contaminated.) If you use spray, spray it on a lint-free cloth first, and then apply it to the machine. Be careful not to get oil on any electronic parts. 3. To remove excess yarn and oil from knitting carriage with a Q-tip or brush and run carriage over most of the needles in B position several times to lubricate the carriage and the needle butts. If your machine is still not sliding freely you can oil the need butts directly by placing oil or spray on your fingers and rub all the needle butts. (Machines do not usually require this last oiling technique.) 4. Finally, keep your machine covered when not actively in use and close it securely in its case or box for longer periods of storage. Hint: If you plan to store your machine for long periods of time, remove the sponge bar and it will last longer. Remember to replace it before knitting.