You’ve bought a nice, new treadmill and it’s been working hard for you. However, if you’re not doing regular maintenance, you can vastly shorten its lifespan and risk losing a quality piece of equipment.
So, how can you counteract this?
Here is a step by step guide on how to lubricate a treadmill belt properly so you can get the most out of your cardio routine and keep your machine in tip-top shape.
Contents
What Do You Need?
Lubricant
The most essential item you’ll need is lubricant. However, you can’t use any regular type of oil! If you use the wrong kind, you may cause permanent damage to your machine.
You will need a 100% silicone-based treadmill lubricant. There are several on the market catered explicitly towards treadmill machine owners that are both safe and easy to use when performing this routine maintenance task.
Top Silicone Lubricant Picks
Note: The above links will take you to current prices, further information and customer reviews on Amazon.
Towel
Have a towel ready as well to clean up any potential mess. Microfibre cloths work great at soaking up excess spills.
Mild Detergent
You’ll need a mild cleanser as well. Wipe the topside of the treadmill belt down to clear it from dirt and grime before starting. Hand soap mixed with warm water is the perfect solution, as it’s gentle but effective enough to leave your machine spotless.
Optional: Syringe
If you purchase a lubricant without a spray nozzle, consider getting a cheap, plastic syringe to disperse the product evenly. This can help you maintain a steady hand as well.
Step by Step Guide
- Power the treadmill down. Make sure it’s also unplugged.
- The motor of your treadmill is located at the front. Slide your hand underneath this section to create some slack between the treadmill’s deck and the belt.
- Apply lubricant underneath, keeping it as close to the middle of the treadmill deck as possible.
- Start moving from the centre towards the edge of the treadmill belt using your syringe or applicator. Using around 15ml (½ oz) of product is recommended for the best results.
- Switching sides, repeat this process on the other side of the belt. Use the same amount of product, roughly 15ml (½ oz).
- Plug your treadmill back in and power it on.
- Allow the machine to run at a slow speed for up to five minutes to allow the product to disperse evenly underneath the treadmill belt.
- Turn the machine off and wipe off any excess lubricant with your towel or soft cloth.
How Often Should I Lubricate My Treadmill?
As a rule of thumb, you should lubricate your treadmill every three months, or roughly every 150 miles (do check your owner’s manual for exact, recommended timings). Additionally, go through this process if you hear excessive squeaking coming from the machine during use.
The treadmill should run smoothly after adding the lubricant. If you’re experiencing skipping, you may need to tighten the belt.
Conclusion
Maintaining your treadmill is essential if you want to prevent premature wear and have years of trouble-free use. Ensure you’re conducting proper maintenance by regularly lubricating your treadmill with the right kind of silicone-based product.
Follow the steps outlined here, and your treadmill should remain in excellent condition for many years to come.
