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Having a treadmill in your home is an excellent way to stay active without hitting the gym. Although treadmills are easy to maintain, they still require routine attention and cleaning. To ensure your treadmill stays in top condition, we’ll guide you on how to clean the surface, lubricate and care for the deck and belt, and protect the machine with a mat and surge protector.
Steps to Follow
Maintaining the Belt and Deck
Lubricate the deck every 150 miles to prevent the belt from wearing down. Use an Allen wrench to unscrew the bolts at the back of the treadmill, turning them counterclockwise to loosen the belt. Lift the belt and apply 1 ounce (28 g) of silicone lubricant spray, liquid, or wax to the deck. This helps reduce friction as you walk or run.
- Some treadmills come with self-lubricating systems and don’t require additional lubrication. Always consult your owner's manual before adding any lubricant.
- Though uncommon, some models may require a specific type of wax or spray. Check the owner's manual to ensure you use the correct lubricant.
- Be careful not to apply lubricant directly on top of the belt, as it can make the surface slippery.
Adjust the belt tension as needed to keep it tight. If your treadmill belt seems loose or wobbly, it may have stretched and needs tightening. On most models, you can find 2 bolts at the rear of the deck that can be tightened using an Allen wrench by turning them clockwise.
- There is no fixed schedule for tightening the belt. Instead, adjust it whenever you notice the belt becoming loose, wiggly, or hard to use.
Center the belt if it’s not aligned properly. Over time, the treadmill belt may shift off-center. To realign it, locate the adjustment bolts at the back of the machine. Use an Allen wrench to turn these bolts clockwise or counter-clockwise, depending on the direction the belt needs to move, until it's centered again.
- Since each treadmill varies, always consult the owner's manual for specific instructions on belt alignment for your model.
- Proper alignment will not only improve your running experience but also ensure even wear on both sides of the belt.
Maintaining Your Treadmill's Cleanliness
Clean your treadmill with a damp cloth after every workout. After each use, wipe down all surfaces of the treadmill with a wet cloth or sanitizing wipe. While it may not be visible, sweat from your hands, belt, and screen can accumulate on the machine, leading to potential corrosion.
- Regularly wiping down the treadmill also helps remove germs, which is especially important if you share the machine with others.
PRO TIP
Greg Maurer
Health & Fitness Expert
Health & Fitness Expert
Your treadmill can get dirty faster than you'd expect, especially in areas you can't easily see. While this isn't an immediate issue, it can become an inconvenience over time. In addition to wiping it down, make it a habit to vacuum underneath your treadmill regularly. Occasionally, take off the motor hood and clean it from the inside out as well.
Vacuum the space under your treadmill every time you clean your floors. Dust and dirt accumulation is one of the leading causes of treadmill damage. To keep your treadmill in good shape, vacuum the area underneath and around it at least once a week or whenever you vacuum the surrounding area.
- If your treadmill is too heavy to lift, use your vacuum hose attachment to clean underneath it as thoroughly as possible.
Monthly vacuuming inside your treadmill helps prevent dust buildup. First, unplug your treadmill from the power outlet. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the motor hood, and refer to your owner's manual for guidance on how to remove it. Once the hood is off, use your vacuum hose attachment to clean dust and debris around the motor. Don’t forget to vacuum the deck under the belt as well.
- The motor hood is usually located at the front, beneath the screen. The treadmill deck is the flat surface under the moving belt.
- Even if you regularly vacuum the area around your treadmill, some dust will inevitably build up inside.
- Cleaning the motor ensures it operates at peak efficiency, while vacuuming the deck helps reduce friction and prolongs the life of the belt.
Protecting Your Treadmill
Place your treadmill on a flat surface to maintain proper belt alignment. One of the simplest ways to ensure your treadmill operates smoothly is by positioning it on an even surface. This will help prevent the belt from misaligning, reduce friction, and minimize wear on both the belt and deck.
- To double-check that your treadmill is level, place a level tool across the belt. This will reveal whether your floor is uneven, allowing you to adjust the treadmill accordingly.
Use a surge protector when plugging in your treadmill. If your treadmill stays plugged in when not in use, connect it to a surge-protected outlet. This will help shield the machine’s electronics from power surges or outages.
- You can also unplug your treadmill when it's not being used for additional protection of the treadmill’s internal systems.
Place a treadmill mat underneath to reduce vibrations. A treadmill mat serves multiple purposes: it protects your machine from dust and debris, minimizes vibrations that can speed up the wear of the belt and deck, and cuts down on the noise during use.
- It also shields your floor from damage caused by the treadmill.
- Starting at just $15 USD, treadmill mats are available at fitness equipment retailers and online stores.
Dealing with Common Treadmill Issues
Watch the belt during operation if your treadmill’s speed is inconsistent. If you notice your treadmill’s speed fluctuating unexpectedly, turn the machine on to a slow pace and observe the belt for any jerking or hitching. Even with proper maintenance, the belt will eventually wear down. If the speed begins to vary without any adjustments, it’s likely the belt is catching and may need replacing.
- In most cases, you can purchase a new belt from the original retailer or search online for a replacement that matches your treadmill’s make and model.
- If the belt appears fine but the speed continues to fluctuate, the issue could be with the motor. A repair technician may be needed to assess whether it can be fixed.
Unplug your treadmill if you notice a burning smell. If you start detecting a burning odor while using your treadmill, immediately stop the machine, turn it off, and unplug it from the power source. A burning smell could be caused by dust in the motor, something stuck under the belt, or a short circuit. In any case, this indicates a potential fire risk if left unchecked.
- If the burning smell comes from dust buildup, vacuuming the motor may resolve the issue.
- If an object is stuck under the belt, removing it will reduce friction and eliminate the smell.
- If a short circuit is the culprit, you’ll need to have a professional assess and repair the problem.
Inspect the power cords if the console isn’t displaying anything. If your treadmill’s belt is functioning, but the display is blank, the issue is often with the power cords or batteries. First, examine the cords for any signs of wear, damage, or crimping. If everything appears intact, try unplugging the main power cord for a minute to reset the circuit breaker. Plug it back in to see if the display is restored.
- If any cords or wires are damaged, you can likely find replacements at a hardware store or from the treadmill’s supplier.
