Treadmills are among the most common forms of in-home exercise equipment. These machines provide a running platform away from harsh weather elements like snow, rain and extreme temperatures. Many people also prefer to work out in the privacy of their own homes and to exercise while watching television or remaining in close proximity to their children. You can cut down on repair costs by regularly maintaining the machine. This maintenance is easy for one person to do on his own, and it will prolong the life of your treadmill.
Step 1
Rub a dust rag over the surfaces of the treadmill, including the belt itself, periodically. Dust buildup can eventually work its way underneath the treadmill's belt, contaminating the lubricant and creating more friction that will wear out the belt faster.
Step 2
Open up the hood of the treadmill once every couple months and vacuum out the interior, particularly the areas on and around the engine and pulleys. Dust in these locations can get inside the mechanisms turning the treadmill and wear out the parts faster--they could even break parts of the treadmill. The hood can be removed on most models with a Phillips or flathead screwdriver.
Step 3
Clear out old lubricant underneath the treadmill belt with a cleaning rag when it is time to re-lubricate your treadmill. This should be done every two or three months. After the cleaning rag has cleared away much of the dirty lubricant, you may consider using a dusting rag to further clean the underside of the belt and the top of the platform.
Step 4
Apply treadmill oil or lubricant underneath the treadmill. The specific type of lubricant needed can depend on the manufacturer of your treadmill. This information would be found in your owner's manual.
Typically, you will want to place lubricant underneath the middle of the treadmill belt on the platform itself. Run the treadmill for a few minutes at the lowest speed possible to spread the lubricant evenly over the treadmill belt surface.
Step 5
Adjust the tension of the belt, if needed. Many treadmill belts do not stretch during use, but some do, and when this happens it is important to increase the tension on the pulleys and rollers holding the belt.
Tension screws on the side of the treadmill can be tightened or loosened as is necessary. You want to adjust the tension of the belt so that the middle of the belt, when pulled up by a single finger, comfortably raises two to three inches off the ground.
Things You'll Need
- Dust rag
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum
- Cleaning rag
- Lubricant
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