Maintain your machine
To maintain your machine, keep the dust off of it by putting it away after each use. To release the tension on the belt before lowering the machine into its cabinet, pull or lift the lever under the cabinet which will make the belt move to the outside. Then turn the wheel slowly until the belt catches on the notch on the wheel. This releases the tension on the belt as it is pulled out of the groove on the wheel. Now you can lower your machine into the cabinet.
When you are ready to use your machine again, raise it up out of the cabinet while making sure the belt is in the groove of the hand wheel. Turn the wheel until you see the notch. Catch the belt in the notch and turn the wheel to pull the belt into the groove.
This may seem complicated at first, but it will soon become second nature to you.
Change the needle after each major project or after several smaller projects. Keep the machine lint-free, especially in the bobbin or shuttle area. Replace the belt as it becomes heavily worn or frayed. Some belts may still usable even after 100 years!
Oil your machine about once a week if you use it regularly or after about 8 hours of use. You will only need to use 2-3 drops at each place.
Always oil the machine if you don’t plan on using it for a while to prevent rust. After oiling it, run the machine at regular speed for about 2 or 3 minutes. Since no fabric is under the presser foot, either raise the presser foot or drop the feed dogs so that the teeth don’t rub against the bottom of your presser foot and cause needless wear and tear to it.
Singer Treadle Sewing Machines 