If you have a treadmill at home, it's much easier to get cardio exercise without having to leave and go to the gym. Treadmills are popular for this reason; they're easy enough to set up and use that most people can do it in their own homes. Even though treadmills don't require a lot of upkeep, they still need some general maintenance every now and then. In this article, we'll show how to clean the surface of your treadmill as well as lubricate/ maintain the deck and belt when needed. You should also protect your machine with a mat or surge protector.

Caring for the Belt and Deck

Lubricate the deck every 150 miles so the belt won’t wear out. 

Remove the screws in the treadmill's back by turning them counter-clockwise with an Allen wrench. This will release the belt, allowing you to lift beneath it. Then, raise the belt and spritz 1 ounce (28 g) of silicone lubricant spray, liquid, or wax on top of the running deck . The belt will not cause as much friction while you walk or run as a result of this.

Tighten the belt as needed to maintain the tension.

If the belt seems loose on your treadmill, it's probably because the belt has stretched and needs to be tightened. Most treadmills have two bolts at the end of deck that can be adjusted with an Allen wrench by turning them clockwise.

Align the belt if it doesn’t run straight down the deck.

Over time, the belt on your treadmill may come off the deck's center. Most machines have bolts on either side of the machine's back that you can use to realign the belt easily. To realign the belt in the middle, adjust the bolts clockwise or counter-clockwise (depending on how it needs to be aligned) until it is back in its proper position.

Cleaning Your Treadmill

Wipe down your treadmill with a wet cloth after every use. 

After every session on the treadmill, clean its handles, belt, and screen with a wet cloth or sanitizing wipe. If you don't do this regularly, sweat will build up on these surfaces and cause the machine to break down more quickly.

Clean the area under the treadmill whenever you vacuum.

Dust and dirt accumulation are two of the most prevalent causes of treadmill deterioration. Vacuum the flooring beneath and within several feet around your treadmill once each week, or whenever you clean the room, to help keep the inside of your treadmill clean.

Vacuum inside the treadmill monthly to remove dust.

Begin by unplugging your treadmill and removing the screws holding the hood in place with a screwdriver. Next, follow the directions in the owner’s manual to remove  the hood from machine's motor. Then, use  the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner to eliminate any dirt and dust surrounding the motor. Last, put the vacuum hose under gym equipment belt to suck up debris from treadmill's deck surface.

Protecting Your Treadmill

Use the treadmill on a level surface to keep the belt aligned. 

Setting up your treadmill on an even surface might be the simplest approach to preserve it and keep it running smoothly. This will aid in the belt's alignment, reducing friction, which will help to extend the belt and deck's life.

Plug your treadmill into an outlet with a surge protector.

By plugging your treadmill into a surge-protected outlet, you will be able to protect the machine from electrical damage during power surges or blackouts.

Invest in a treadmill mat to minimize vibrations.

A treadmill mat should always be placed on the floor beneath the machine to keep it clean and free of dust and grime while also reducing vibrations that cause the belt and deck to wear down more swiftly. A treadmill mat will also aid in noise reduction when you're utilizing the device.

Addressing Common Treadmill Problems

Observe the belt while it’s moving if your treadmill’s speed is erratic. 

If your treadmill's speed is acting up, look at the belt while it's turning on to see if it's stalling at a slow speed. Every treadmill belt will wear with time and use. If you notice that your established pace starts to vary unpredictably, this indicates that the belt has started to hitch and needs replacing.

Unplug your treadmill if there’s a burning smell. 

If you're using your treadmill and notice a burning odor, immediately stop using it, switch off the power, and unplug it from the wall. Whether dust in the motor, an object trapped beneath the belt, or a short circuit is to blame, most burning smells indicate an issue that may cause a fire risk if left unattended for too long.

Check the power cords if the console display isn’t working. 

If your treadmill is operational but the console displays a blank screen, there is most likely a small problem with either the power cords or batteries. Examine the power cords to check if they are old, frayed, or otherwise damaged and need replacing. If the power cord wiring is all in good condition, try unplugging the main power cord from its outlet for 1 minute to let the circuit breaker reset. Plug it back in afterwards to see if that resolves the issue.