Many people who own a treadmill wonder how to clean it and whether the treadmill belt needs cleaning. Here we offer some practical tips and tricks on how to clean your treadmill. From routine maintenance to deep cleaning, we can help you.
How To Clean a Treadmill? Treadmill Cleaning Guide
As we all know, maintaining fitness equipment is crucial for both your workout experience and the lifespan of the equipment. As time goes by, dirt, dust, and many other things can easily build up on the belt, floor, and other parts of your treadmill. It's important to clean your treadmill regularly so that it stays in good shape and is safe to use.
Cleaning the treadmill can seem like a big chore, especially if you're new to having one at home. But don't worry, we'll give you an easy step-by-step guide to clean your treadmill easily and quickly. Whether you use it a lot or are just getting started, our instructions will help your treadmill run smoothly for a long time. Here is all you need to know when cleaning your treadmill.
How Often Should the Treadmill Be Cleaned?
There is no straightforward answer to this question. Here are some experts’ suggestions on how often the cleaning of the treadmill should be done.
After every workout session, it is important to wipe down all the surface areas of the treadmill with a wet cloth or sanitizing wipe. This includes the handles, belt, and screen, as they can get covered with sweat during your workout.
In addition to wiping down the surface areas after each use and vacuuming weekly, a more thorough cleaning should be done after two weeks, depending on how frequently you use the treadmill. This will help remove any built-up sweat, dirt, or debris that may accumulate over time. The belt and deck of the treadmill should also be cleaned to prevent friction and ensure smooth movement. Remove any debris or dirt that may accumulate between the belt and deck to maintain optimal performance
You should also vacuum the inside of your machine at least once a year. Turn off and unplug the machine before removing the engine cover and vacuuming the engine compartment. Be careful with sensitive electrical parts and avoid touching the vacuum cleaner nozzle.
So here we can say that, to answer how often you should clean your treadmill:
Sanitize the surfaces with disinfecting wipes after each use.
Vacuum underneath the treadmill once a week to remove dust and debris.
Do a general deep clean of the entire treadmill, including the belt and deck, every two weeks.
Which Parts of the Treadmill Should be Cleaned?
To keep your treadmill running well, a few areas need special attention through regular cleaning. The surfaces that rub together a lot, like the belt and deck, get grimy fast if not wiped down. Parts like vents also need to stay clear so air can flow. Here's a quick look at the main spots:
- Drive Motor: Vacuum the area around the drive motor regularly to keep it free from dust, which can cause it to overheat and break.
- Rollers: Vacuum the area around them regularly to keep them in top condition.
- Incline Motor: Vacuum the incline motor regularly, and use a disinfectant wipe to clean it if you can access it.
- Incline Mechanism: Vacuum the incline mechanism thoroughly.
- Deck Suspension System: Wipe down the deck suspension system and give it a good vacuum.
- Belt: Clean the belt with a disinfectant wipe or soak it in a vinegar solution if you spot mildew or mold spores.
- Console: Use a proper electronic cleaner to protect the screen.
Can Dust Damage a Treadmill?
Dust is a common problem that can really mess with your treadmill if it builds up over time. Here's how it can potentially damage things:
Friction: Dust between the belt and deck causes more rubbing. This extra wear and tear is tough on both surfaces and the motor, too.
Overheating parts: Dust can get inside the motor and electronics and restrict airflow, and trap heat. This can stress things out.
Blocked ventilation - Dust can clog the vents, so air can't flow through properly. And we know without good airflow, parts like the motor get too warm and ultimately can ruin it.
To keep your treadmill running smoothly for longer, it's important to regularly clean off any dust bunnies. Otherwise, the stuff accumulating can grind things down faster or even break delicate insides. Take just a few minutes each week to stop dust from becoming a damaging problem. In addition to dust, sweat can also impact the treadmill's performance. Wipe down the machine after each use, regardless of the duration or intensity of your workout, to prevent moisture buildup.
What is the Best Way to Clean A Treadmill?
To keep your treadmill in good condition and increase its lifespan, you must do some regular cleaning work. Here are the step-by-step instructions on the best way to clean a treadmill.
Prepare for Cleaning a Treadmill:
Before cleaning the treadmill, you need to prepare cleaning tools in advance: a vacuum cleaner, disinfectant wipes, and disinfectant
It's also important to unplug the treadmill for safety. Move it away from walls or other machines so you can access all sides easily. Consider bringing your owner's manual too, especially if doing a thorough deep clean. It can provide guidance on proper cleaning techniques and areas to focus on.
Cleaning the Exterior:
It is important to keep the area around your treadmill clean as well. Every time you use the treadmill, the sweat, dirt, and grime left on the treadmill will fall onto the mat underneath each treadmill. Make sure to vacuum the surrounding area and wipe down the treadmill mat with a disinfectant as part of your regular treadmill cleaning routine.
Cleaning of Treadmill Belts:
There are two steps to cleaning the belt: reaching the top and reaching the underside.
Cleaning the Top of the Treadmill Belt: Use a towel and a mild cleaner to wipe down the surface of the belt. Wait until the belt is dry before using it.
Cleaning the Underside of the Treadmill Belt: Take a clean, dry towel and slide it between the belt and deck. Slide the towel back and forth a few times, then pull it out. Shake out the towel to remove any debris. Repeat this process a few times until the belt is clean. Be careful not to remove too much lubricant, as this can harm the belt's performance.
Important: The bottom surface of the treadmill belt does not need to be cleaned frequently. For example, when the treadmill is exposed to a dusty environment, it needs to be cleaned. Please use lubricant after cleaning; otherwise, it will damage the running belt.
Cleaning the Running Boards:
Cleaning the running boards of the treadmill is a basic part of keeping the machine in good condition, and thus, the treadmill must run well. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean treadmill running boards:
- Turn off the treadmill and cut off the power supply, which can reduce unnecessary safety hazards
- Use a soft brush or clean cloth to wipe away any loose dirt or crumbs on the running boards.
- Squeeze excess water from a damp cloth and wipe it out well. Don't use too much water as it could damage the insides.
- Wipe the entire pedal area with a damp cloth, paying attention to any areas where dirt may be collected.
- Now, make a cleaning solution of half white vinegar and half water. Dip your cloth in the solution and wring it out before wiping the boards.
- After that, use a dry cloth to wipe away any extra moisture or cleaning product.
- Check for tough stains. If any is left, you can use a baking soda solution.
- Once fully dry, plug the treadmill back in and turn it on to test that it works properly.
Cleaning Frame:
Cleaning the handlebars after each use is essential, but you should also clean and disinfect the entire frame regularly. The console of a treadmill gets dirty easily and must be cleaned frequently. Take special care when cleaning. This area has screens and monitors where you can control the speed and incline and set up your workout. Do not use glass cleaner, as this will leave permanent streaks on the console. Treadmill monitors have electrical components on the back of the panel that should not be soaked in cleaning solutions, and these components may malfunction if console cleaning fluid seeps behind the monitor. The best way to keep your console clean is to clean it gently with disinfecting wipes or specially designed electronic cleaning wipes.
Cleaning of Incline Mechanism and Electrical Components:
The electrical components, including the treadmill's incline mechanism, require special attention. When vacuuming your treadmill, remove the motor cover and use the vacuum attachment to clean the internal components. Depending on your usage, you may have to do this weekly. Also, remember the tilt mechanism and other electrical components should also be lubricated every few weeks as recommended in the user Manual.
General Tips on Treadmill Care and Maintenance
Here in the last part of this article, we would like to share some simple and effective tips with you that will help you with your treadmill care and maintenance.
Tighten Bolts and Screws:
Make it a habit to periodically tighten all loose nuts, bolts, and screws if you're one of those people who use a treadmill frequently. Use tools from your toolbox to tighten loose bolts/screws.
Maintain the Running Deck:
Wipe down the running belt after each workout to remove dust and sweat. Ensure the belts are aligned correctly to even the load that is being carried out to prevent uneven wear and tearing. Subsequently, consult with the user manual for the direction of the oblique alignment.
Lubricate Your Treadmill:
Lubricate the ramp deck every six months or 150 miles, whichever comes sooner. To achieve the best results, use silicone-based sprays for best results.
Rest of the Motor:
Turn the treadmill off for 10 minutes minimum after every 2 hours of using it.
Clean the Area:
Sweep the area around the treadmill once in a while, and mop the dirt that might accumulate. Every two weeks, power wash the frame with mild detergent.
We hope this article has helped you to properly clean and maintain your treadmill. We have outlined the tips that are important for proper functionality and, hence, durability of your treadmill. Regular cleaning of your treadmill will prevent the buildup of dirt and debris. The frequency of your treadmill cleaning can be weekly, monthly, or every few months. But remember, following it continuously keeps your treadmill in great condition. Cleaning only takes a little time but pays off big in the end. By taking good care of your treadmill, it can run with you for years of workouts to come. You'll enjoy running just as well tomorrow as you do today.
