I have struggled with weight my entire life.
Once I started having medical issues, I knew I needed to make a change. I intend to live a long and full life.
Most of the exercise equipment I saw was too complicated for my needs. I finally decided the best option was a treadmill.
Unfortunately, I was told maintaining a treadmill is difficult. I discovered the process is simple once I knew what I was doing.
Why is Treadmill Maintenance Important?
Maintaining and cleaning your treadmill is not difficult, but it is not a lot of fun either.
The good news is the procedures you need to follow for treadmill maintenance are simple.
Even if you buy the best treadmill available on the market, it will not perform correctly without proper care.
Purchasing a treadmill is an important investment. Every time you use your machine, stress is placed on the components.
The reason I am happy to spend the time necessary for taking care of my treadmill is simple.
I realize the importance of losing weight and staying in shape.
The last thing I want is to have my equipment breakdown resulting in either an expensive repair or purchasing another treadmill.
The first step is understanding exactly what you need to do to make certain your treadmill is there when you need it.
Performing Regular Treadmill Maintenance
Every time you use your treadmill, pay attention.
If your machine is scraping or rubbing, running roughly, or does not feel right, stop using your treadmill.
Find the issue before you continue. You need to perform maintenance checks every week.
The Deck and Walking Belt
Check your deck and walking belt for wear, and make certain it is straight and centered.
The alignment does not need to be perfect, but you need to prevent rubbing or scraping on the sides.
Once your belt becomes rough or overly worn, replacing it will increase the life of your machine.
Vacuuming
The area underneath and around your treadmill needs to be vacuumed when your treadmill is used on a regular basis.
Even if you are not using your equipment frequently, dust and dirt will accumulate towards the back of your machine.
Although some of the debris comes from your walking belt, most are from your shoe’s soles. If you have pets, keep the area around your treadmill as free of hair as you can.
I like using a treadmill mat because it decreases the amount of dust, dirt and pet hair getting into my motor compartment.
This debris can cause problems with both your motor control board and your motor resulting in an expensive repair.
Once each month, I check the nuts and bolts of the frame to make certain they are tight, and securely attach the console to the frame.
Loose Nuts and Bolts
The vibrations resulting from regular use can loosen the nuts and bolts.
You should have received a wrench for adjusting your walking belt with your machine. If not, the size you need will be listed in your owner’s manual.
Treadmill Maintenance and Electrical Components
Make certain you pay attention to any burning smells because this is usually an electrical issue.
If this happens, stop using your machine, and pull the plug from the wall.
The problem might be something caught under your belt or dust beneath your motor.
Do not ignore the smell because it can potentially start a fire. I recommend plugging your treadmill into a surge protector.
During a power outage or surge, this is a good way to protect the electrical components.
Keep an eye on your power cord for any damage. Eventually, you will need to replace your power cord.
Cleaning Your Treadmill
One of the key causes of premature wear on your belt and deck is accumulated debris and dirt. Even the highest-quality treadmill needs to be cleaned on a monthly basis.
Every month, clean your deck including the exposed areas, and your belt including the areas on both sides.
I use either a damp sponge or cloth every week to wipe down my machine.
The motor area needs to be cleaned a minimum of three times per year. Your owner’s manual will have instructions showing you how to clean your machine.
Lubrication
You may have a self-lubricating treadmill.
If so, the components of your machine have a special wax continuously lubricating your machine as time passes.
You can determine if your machine needs to be lubricated by looking at your owner’s manual.
Do not lubricate your treadmill when it is not necessary. You can damage the components, and you may destroy the wax.
When your machine needs to be lubricated, there is a section in your owner’s manual describing the process for your specific machine.
You need to follow these instructions to make certain you perform the task correctly.
There is a good chance your treadmill came with lubricant.
If it was not included or you need more, your manufacturer’s guide will tell you which type of lubricant you need to purchase.
If you do not use the lubricant your manufacturer-recommended, you might be voiding your warranty.
Do not use any product with a petroleum base or WD-40 for lubrication because there is a good chance you will destroy your treadmill.
Almost every lubricant made for treadmills has a silicone base.
If you no longer have your owner’s manual, your best option is using a treadmill lubricant made from 100 percent silicone.
This type of lubricant works well for the majority of treadmills including most brands, home, heavy-duty and commercial machines.
If your manufacturer’s manual recommends a different lubricant, that is the one you should use. You may have a treadmill not requiring lubrication.
Some models have a coating of lubricant applied for high-performance prior to leaving the factory.
A lot of fitness and icon brands do not require lubricant because the belt has been pre-lubricated.
This includes Weslo, ProForm and NordicTrack. If you lubricate this type of machine with any substance, you can cause excessive wear or your belt can deteriorate.
You should always look at your manufacturer’s guide prior to lubricating your treadmill.
Replacing Your Belt
No matter which type of treadmill you have purchased, your belt will eventually need to be replaced. I check my belt every two to three months for wear.
The best way to do this is by running your hand along the underside of your belt. If your belt feels rough and worn, it needs to be replaced.
Do not keep using your belt if it requires replacement. Your deck will wear out much sooner due to the rough surface of your belt.
Eventually, your deck will wear out and require replacement.
Making certain your belt is replaced when necessary will increase the life of your deck, and is an important part of treadmill maintenance.
Aligning Your Belt
There is a good chance your belt will need to be aligned every once in a while.
The belt for your machine needs to run straight down the center of your deck. If this path is not followed by your belt, it requires alignment.
Look for the bolts at the back of your treadmill on both sides. You can make small adjustments to these bolts while checking on your progress.
If you experience any issues, look at your owner’s manual for instructions for your specific machine.
If you feel like your machine is slowing down without making any speed adjustments, or you have the sensation of slipping, your belt requires alignment.
If your belt remains crooked, it will become damaged and frayed, and break down much faster.
Belt Tension
The belt tension for the majority of good treadmills is pre-adjusted. Despite this, your belt will start stretching out as you use your treadmill.
Your belt and deck will wear excessively if your belt is loose because it will start to slip. Your rollers and motor will be damaged if your belt is too tight.
Always adjust the tension of your belt just enough to prevent any slipping.
To figure out if your belt is slipping, turn on your machine at a slower pace.
Stomp down your foot forcefully forward and down.
If your belt slips, the bolts need to be tightened. Do not make any adjustments until you consult your owner’s manual.
Wiping Down Your Treadmill
Your treadmill needs to be wiped down every time you use it. This is even more essential when you work up a sweat.
Moisture will start to accumulate on your machine promoting the metal parts to rust.
Your treadmill will harbor both fungal and bacterial growth.
At first, I tried using a wet cloth, but it was not always effective. Eventually, I bought a kit for cleaning my machine.
Protecting Your Electrical System
Most of the home treadmills currently manufactured have computers controlling the electronic consoles.
Just like a laptop computer, a power surge can damage your machine.
One of the best ways to protect your investment is by plugging your machine into an outlet with proper grounding.
If you have a dedicated circuit, use it for your treadmill.
Installing a Mat
You can protect the area around your treadmill by placing a mat beneath your machine.
You can prevent your machine from damaging your flooring, and if your machine is on the second floor, you will be decreasing the noise level.
Your mat also helps keep excess dirt, dust and pet hair from building up on your treadmill. I have a much easier time vacuuming around my machine since I bought a mat.
Vacuuming Your Motor Compartment
You need to turn off and unplug your treadmill prior to taking off the motor cover for vacuuming inside.
You need to take care when vacuuming around the electrical components. Make certain your vacuum nozzle does not come into contact with the electrical components.
You should do this a minimum of once per year.
Checking Your Screws
Checking your screws before using your treadmill is basic maintenance, but extremely important.
As time passes, the screws will start to loosen.
If any screws require replacement, make certain you place an order with the manufacturer. If you do not use the right screws, you can cause substantial damage to your treadmill.
The Maintenance Checklist
I realize you have numerous maintenance tasks you need to remember.
Mechanical equipment requires specific maintenance to ensure it remains in good working condition.
My basic maintenance tasks do not take a lot of time.
There are certain preventative tasks you need to take care of every week, month, quarter and year to ensure your treadmill lasts longer.
Not only will you improve your running experience, but you will also decrease your risk.
Weekly
Clean every surface once per week. Your deck and running belt can be cleaned with a dry towel. I use a lint-free, damp cloth for cleaning my touch screen.
While cleaning, make certain the connection for your safety lanyard is intact, there is no damage to your power cord, and your machine is level to your floor.
I also unplug, then plug my machine back in to make certain my treadmill turns on and off properly.
Monthly
Clean the running belt of your treadmill using a damp towel. A little wire brush is ideal for cleaning the pulley and drive belt.
Look closely at your belt and running deck to make certain the condition is still good. Check all the fasteners, nuts and bolts, then tighten if necessary.
Check the weldments, fittings, bushings, contact points, cables and wires. Vacuum the floor beneath your treadmill.
This will remove any foreign objects capable of compromising the stability or traction of your machine.
Quarterly
You should check the alignment, tracking and tension of your drive and running belts quarterly. Check your rear and front rollers.
Take off the hood, then vacuum the motor controller fan and compartment to remove foreign objects and dust.
Look at your odometer reading to see is any maintenance is recommended by the manufacturer for specific mileage.
Semi-Annually
Use your manufacturer’s specs for lubricating the surface of your deck.
If necessary, calibrate. See if the manufacturer recommends any maintenance for your current mileage.
The Importance of Preventative Treadmill Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is critical to make certain your workout is safe, and your treadmill lasts for a long time.
Once you understand how to maintain your machine properly, you will not have to worry about any unnecessary repairs later on.
Following the guidelines in your owner’s manual and this article will help ensure your treadmill stays in excellent condition.
The Bottom Line
You can enjoy all the benefits of your treadmill for many years simply by performing routine maintenance.
When in doubt, always look at your owner’s manual. If your machine requires a complicated repair, I recommend consulting with a professional.
