A treadmill is an excellent addition to any home gym but keeping it clean and well-maintained is essential to ensure it lasts for years to come. They are expensive machines. Cleaning your treadmill not only prolongs its life but also helps you maintain a hygienic workout environment. Periodic cleaning prevents the buildup of dirt, dust, and bacteria and ensures smooth operation of the belt.
In this post, we will share easy-to-follow steps on how to clean your treadmill, so you can focus on your fitness goals without any distractions and use your treadmill longer without potential problems.
Important Parts to Keep Clean
- Inside Parts: Essential components of your treadmill, like the motor, rollers, and incline mechanism, shouldn’t be overlooked. Dust can interfere with the motor, causing issues and unnecessary noise. Dust and debris on the rollers can cause the belt to slip or wear prematurely. To avoid these, make sure to prevent dust build-up in these areas. You can do this by regularly wiping and vacuuming these parts.
- Belt: The belt is a very important part that gets the most direct use that needs to be kept clean. Dirt and sweat can pile up here. To keep the belt in good shape, you should try to wipe it at least once a week. Cleaning it helps to maintain its performance and longevity.
- Screen and Console: The screen and buttons on the console needs careful cleaning. You shouldn’t use normal cleaning stuff like window cleaning sprays here. Instead, use special cleaners for electronics (LCD screen cleaners) or wipes. This will keep your screen clean from dust, sweat, and fingerprints and make each run a nicer experience.
- Handrails and Heart Rate Sensors: Handrails can accumulate sweat and dust. These should be wiped down regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap. If your treadmill has heart rate sensors, usually found on the handrails, they need to be cleaned regularly to ensure good contact for accurate readings.
Here’s How to Clean Your Treadmill
- Turn off and unplug your treadmill from the outlet to prevent any accidents.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to clean around and under the treadmill. This will help remove any dirt, dust, and debris that has accumulated in these hard-to-reach areas.
- Using a soft cloth or an anti-static duster, gently dust all the exposed surfaces of your treadmill, including the console, handrails, and frame.
- Clean the treadmill belt. This is the most important part of treadmill cleaning.
To clean the treadmill belt, follow these steps:
- Mix a solution of water and mild dish soap or use white vinegar and water mixture.
- Dampen a soft cloth with the cleaning solution.
- Gently scrub the belt, make sure to clean the entire surface.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the belt with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
Remember not to use harsh chemicals, bleach, or alcohol-based sanitizers, as they can damage the belt.
To keep your treadmill clean and good condition:
- Regularly inspect the motor area for any dirt or debris buildup. Use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean the motor area gently.
- To keep your treadmill running smoothly, it’s essential to lubricate the belt regularly. Check your treadmill’s user manual for specific instructions and recommendations on lubrication frequency and type of lubricant to use. Some treadmills warn you when it is time to lubricate the belt by displaying a message on their console.
- After cleaning and lubricating your treadmill, reassemble any removed parts, plug it back in, and turn it on to ensure everything is working correctly.
- Use a good treadmill mat.
Cleaning Frequency
The frequency at which you clean your treadmill depends on its usage and location. For instance, if your treadmill is placed in a high-traffic area or near a window, you may need to clean it more frequently. Generally, it’s a good idea to:
- Vacuum and dust the treadmill weekly.
- Clean the treadmill belt at least once a month.
- Lubricate the treadmill belt as recommended by the manufacturer (i.e., 3 months, every 150 miles etc.).
Maintaining a clean treadmill not only prolongs its lifespan but also ensures a safe and hygienic workout experience. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can keep your treadmill in top condition. Happy running!
