How to maintain your treadmill? The toughest part of finalizing a treadmill after looking into reviews, models, pros, and cons, and budgeting is over. Now that the home gym is set, all that remains is to start using the machine and reap ultimate fitness benefits.
The new machine works fine and smoothly, but we would love to keep it this way even after years of usage. However, treadmills may occasionally malfunction like other fitness machines, especially if you use them frequently.
That’s where the maintenance part plays a pivotal role. For those who have purchased their first home gym treadmill, getting to know about how to maintain your treadmill and fix treadmill common problems helps.
Remember, there is no hard and fast rule that one must have mechanical knowledge about a treadmill to maintain it properly.
Below are ten easy but effective tips that help maintain the treadmill and keep running it smoothly for life.
Tips for Maintaining Your Treadmill
#1 Place the Treadmill on a Level Surface
Wow! The very first tip is simple to do but highly effective. Keeping the machine on a leveled surface guarantees a smooth run.
Also, keeping it on the flooring where the level is perfect assures that the belt runs evenly on the deck.
Else, there are high chances that the belt might break down faster than expected. Moreover, keeping the treadmill on an uneven surface might lead to sliding the belt from one side to the other rather than going right into the middle of the deck.
In case some individuals decide to put the treadmill on the garage or attic, there is a high probability of uneven flooring. In such cases, make use of adjustable leveling feet on the deck’s bottom to level the machine.
#2 Wipe the Treadmill Every Time After Using it
At a gym, individuals run as fast as they could, feel happy after the workout, but sadly, most of them just get off the machine without caring to wipe it down.
Such carelessness not only affects those using the machine next in line but can also result in corrosion of the belt and the frame.
Does skipping to clean the machine after use at the gym ring a bell? Don’t worry, but there are many other too.
But, as you have now invested a huge sum in purchasing a good-quality treadmill, there is no ignoring the fact that you desire to maintain it well and use it for long.
Hence, the best way is to wipe down every inch of the treadmill that’s drenched in sweat after use.
Make sure to clean the console every week. Refrain from using any strong detergents but simply use a wet cloth—this would serve the purpose.
3# Each Month, Clean Under the Belt
Clean, clean, and clean for keeping the treadmill sparkly neat. The area between the deck and the belt needs sufficient maintenance as this area is extremely sensitive to maximum damage.
There are higher probabilities of excess dirt and dust accumulation under the belt as we use the treadmill regularly. Such scenarios can result in an easier breakdown of the belt.
Use a wet cloth or some vacuum attachment to remove the dirt and debris. Besides this area, it is recommended that the flooring below and around the machine stay clean. So, just when cleaning the belt is due, it is also better to clean the flooring around the home gym area.
#4 Do A Monthly Cleaning of the Motor
Don’t be shocked to read that the motor needs monthly maintenance. Practically, this might not be a feasible option for many. So, at least clean the motor area every 3 months to maintain the treadmill.
Remove the hood from the treadmill motor and vacuum the area surrounding it to get rid of debris/dust. Such efforts guarantee the utmost efficiency of the motor and smooth functioning of the machine.
Every machine comes with a user guide in which there might be specific guidelines mentioned to clean the motor.
Some suggest using a dry cloth instead of vacuuming the area. So, get an idea about what’s best for the machine by referring to the manual. By doing this, you also make sure that nothing wrongfully is done to nullify the warranty.
One main point of concern here is to unplug the treadmill before starting to clean anything.
#5 Lubricate Optimally
Here again, the need for lubricating the machine depends on the type of model purchased. Some treadmill belts must be lubricated, while other machines come with self-lubricating belts that take care of the lubrication needs.
Read the user manual before concluding whether or not the machine requires lubrication of the belt.
In general, the end-user is required to lubricate the belt every couple of months if it is a budget treadmill. Make use of the correct lubricant. In most cases, it is a 100% silicone lubricant to maintain the belt in the right condition.
As these lubricants are either sprays or liquids in most cases, they could be applied evenly onto the belt’s lower side. But, before that, it’s advisable to check with the user manual for any specific instructions.
#6 Tighten Belt
Even premium-quality treadmills that come with adjusted belt tension are prone to loosening of the belt with continuous usage.
When belts stretch, the tension imposed on the deck decreases, and this is felt in most cases as increased belt movement is felt on the deck. Such awkward movements might increase slippages.
Treadmills come with two bolts attached to the treadmill deck, which can be tightened to adjust the belt’s tension. Get references from the user manual for proper guidance.
#7 Make Adjustments to the Belt
Adjusting the belt is interconnected with tip number 6. In an optimal setup, the belt remains at the center of the deck. But, when it loosens, the belt might move to one or the other side.
Such instances are also possible when the treadmill doesn’t remain centered on the ground. When that’s the case, ensure to re-center the belt to avoid dislocation of the belt.
As the bolts mentioned in #6, the same ones are used here also to center and tighten the bolt. If the belt is on the left side, tighten the left bolt to the center and if the belt is on the right side, tighten the right bolt to center it.
Check with the user manual to follow instructions and ensure that you do the right thing to stay eligible for a warranty.
#8. Replace the Belt as and When Needed
You have followed all the above steps diligently, ensuring to clean and lubricate the machine. Still, if the treadmill has been used for a long time, there is a high probability that the belt will succumb to wear and tear. In such instances, the belt must be replaced.
Mostly, following the instructions to the dot will help you replace the belt on your own In case of any doubt, it is recommended that you get in touch with a professional for assistance.
Based on the treadmill model, the belt is covered under warranty at least for the first couple of years. In case the warranty has expired, or there is no warranty, purchasing a new one costs $200.
Don’t hesitate to invest money in purchasing a new belt when the motor and the deck are in good condition as this costs much lesser than purchasing a new machine.
#9 Get Hold of a Surge Protector
We all suffer from power fluctuations, and in such times, it is advisable to use a surge protector to protect the treadmill.
Keep the electronic parts of the treadmill protected against power surges by plugging them into a surge protector.
There are also recommendations to unplug the treadmill when it’s not used—this way, the electricity bill amount could also go down a bit. The usage of a surge protector negates the need to do any of these.
#10. Make Use of a Treadmill Mat
Finally, placing the treadmill on a treadmill mat not only helps you avoid much dirt and debris on the machine but also keeps the flooring protected and in good condition.
Moreover, such an arrangement gives a polished look to the room.
Final Thoughts
The treadmill might be a brand new one or quite an old machine that requires maintenance. In either case, the tips given here could help maintain the machine in good condition and ensure that it works smoothly.
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