A treadmill is a great exercise machine to stay fit at home, and helps you keep up with a regular workout routine at home. You don’t have to wait for your turn or worry about exercising for too long; you can just hop on anytime and do your cardio session with convenience. However, you’ll need to maintain the unit properly to make sure it keeps working effectively and to avoid costly repairs.
To ensure the adequate functioning of the treadmill, you need to keep it clean at all times by wiping the belt and the surroundings of the treadmill. Also, lubricating the belt with silicone- or paraffin-based lubricant is important to make sure that the treadmill is running smoothly.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the different aspects related to treadmill maintenance that you should be aware of to keep your treadmill working efficiently for years to come. In addition, we will be answering various FAQs to make sure you have a better understanding of how to maintain a treadmill.
What Kind of Maintenance Does a Treadmill Need?
As handy as it is, a treadmill wouldn’t last for a long period of time if you don’t take care of it. There are a number of things you need to address while maintaining your treadmill. Some important points to remember include:
Wipe Down the Treadmill after Each Use
Whether you are sprinting at high speeds or casually jogging on a treadmill at a slow speed, the treadmill tends to get dirty due to the sweat dropping on it and the dirt from the shoes. You need to wipe down the sweat from all places and really get in there with a wet cloth. Make sure that you remove all traces of sweat because in case you left some spots, they can be quite difficult to remove afterward. Also, the dirt on the belt needs to be removed with the help of a soft brush.
Clean Around and Under the Treadmill
As much as cleaning the treadmill is important, making sure that the areas around the unit are also kept clean is an essential part of the whole maintenance process. Moreover, the dirt around the treadmill can deteriorate the operation of the treadmill. Make sure that the treadmill is unplugged, and be careful around the electrical components to avoid any unfortunate incident.
Vacuum Out the Treadmill
Whether the treadmill is being used or not, dust and debris can gather on the machine and under the treadmill’s motor housing over a period of time. You should vacuum the treadmill, not only from the outside but also around and under the motor cover area beneath the belt (such as the drive belt and the pulleys), to make sure it is clean and runs smoothly without any nuisance. This should be done at least once a year, depending upon the frequency of usage.
Treadmill Maintenance Lubrication
Lubricating your treadmill from time to time is an important part of the maintenance process. To lubricate the unit, you need to follow the instructions given in the owner’s manual that comes with the treadmill. You’ll be required to loosen the belt when you lubricate your treadmill and then tighten it back once you’re done. Be careful not to spray the top and make the belt slippery, and wipe off any excess lubricant with a soft cloth.
An important thing to check is that some treadmills don’t require any lubrication as their components come with a special wax, and lubricating them can damage the machine or cause excessive wear. So make sure you keep an eye out for that.
Installing A Treadmill Mat Under the Machine
Placing a treadmill mat under the machine will minimize any kind of noise and vibrations it causes while you use it, especially if you want to use the treadmill on the second story of your house. Moreover, using treadmill mats under the machine will prevent any kind of debris, like pet hair and dirt from shoes to gather under it and help you vacuum easily when required.
Tightening a Treadmill Belt
With the passage of time and excessive usage, even the best treadmills require belt alignment. The belt can get loose and start slipping, causing damage to the treadmill deck and the belt itself. To tighten the belt, you need to tighten up the bolts with an Allen wrench or screwdriver to bring it back to the ideal belt tension. Also, to avoid tightening it too much, always consult the owner’s manual before the procedure.
Adjusting and Aligning the Treadmill Belt
To attain optimal functioning of a treadmill, you need to ensure that the belt is rightly aligned. You need to check whether the belt runs straight down the deck’s center. If it doesn’t follow the path, alignment is required. Bolts on each side of the rear end of the machine need to be adjusted to gain optimal alignment. Slightly make adjustments and keep checking until the required alignment is achieved.
FAQs About Treadmill Maintenance
Now, let’s take a look at answers to some of the top FAQs regarding treadmill maintenance so that you have a better understanding of the different aspects involved.
How to Glue Treadmill Belt?
If a rip is developed on the belt, try throwing a strip of gaff or gorilla or traction tape on it. Put off replacing the belt until you really have to, but if the rip is that big, the walking belt should be replaced. You may also contact the manufacturer, if the treadmill is still under warranty they may provide a new belt.
If the treadmill belt is too loose, don’t risk the taping technique. A flexible glue or silicone glue may also help the belt for awhile, however, don’t risk your health for a cheap solution, have the belt replaced.
How to Repair Torn Treadmill Belt?
If a walking belt is torn and opened up, the belt’s integrity is compromised. It is safer to completely replace the belt and avoid an unwanted injury at a random time. A treadmill is usually torn when the belt is too tight or there is too much friction. Leave 2-3 inches of a gap to avoid an overtightened belt.
How Often Should a Treadmill Be Serviced?
The frequency of service for any treadmill depends on various factors related to the amount and nature of usage. On average, with light use on a regular basis, you’ll be required to service your treadmill every 12-14 months. In case of heavy use, the treadmill should be serviced between 6 and 8 months. We recommend that you get your treadmill checked by a professional for optimal functioning.
Can You Use WD 40 to Lubricate a Treadmill?
No, we advise against using WD-40 or any other household lubricant for your treadmill. You should only use specially designed silicone lubricant for treadmills, as household lubricants can cause damage to your machine and negatively affect its performance.
Should I Turn Off the Treadmill when I Don’t Use It?
Definitely; you should always turn off the treadmill when not in use. This is because the treadmill can be damaged due to power surges, and the fluctuation in voltage can actually cause damage to the cords. Many people suggest using a surge protector, but the versatile power demand by a treadmill for its different speeds and modes does not make it suitable for use.
When To Call A Professional for Treadmill Maintenance?
Minor repair work can be done with the help of the user manual that comes with the treadmill. However, if you feel like you’ve got too much on your hands, you should contact a professional to get your maintenance done. We always recommend getting your treadmill checked by a professional for the best service work.
What are the Contents of a Treadmill Maintenance Kit?
Treadmill maintenance kits consist of all the necessary items that you require to carry out the maintenance work. These help you to keep the treadmill clean and make sure it functions properly. Few of the main elements that most maintenance kits contain are:
- Universal safety key
- Lubricants for the belt
- Lubricant Applicators
- Cloth for cleaning purposes
Can You Take a Broken Treadmill to the Dump?
If you dispose of an old treadmill that usually will be taken to a landfill. To avoid this, contact your local recyclers in order to collect the treadmill to be utilized as scrap metal. The majority of recyclers however, will require you to pay a fee for large items depending on your area (around $150).
How to Fix Treadmill Belt Tear?
The cause of a treadmill belt tear may be an overtightened belt. By loosening the belt, additional future injuries may be avoided, while already existing tears can be patched or glued if they are not beyond repair. If you are absolutely in the dark about fixing the treadmill belt, consult a treadmill expert.
Conclusion
To sum it up, routine maintenance for your treadmill is necessary to ensure maximum utility of the features and prolong its life avoiding any premature wear. Just remember to check up on different components of the treadmill regularly, like lubricating the belt, vacuuming thoroughly around the unit, and wiping the whole of the machine, including the electrical panel.
Keeping the treadmill clean is the key to making sure it works in the best possible manner. We recommend getting your treadmill checked by a professional every 8-10 months; it’ll help you make the most of your machine.
