A treadmill lets you train at home whatever the weather, but it is a complex machine with a motor, rollers and a belt that constantly rubs against the deck. Without care, the belt wears faster, the motor is overloaded and the treadmill starts to jerk and get noisy.
A few habits are enough: a wipe after every session, weekly dusting, regular inspection, lubrication under the belt about every three months and correct belt tension.
What you will need
Important: Only work on the treadmill when it is switched off and unplugged. Never apply lubricant to the top running surface of the belt: it can cause slips and injuries. If the manufacturer states that the deck is maintenance free or requires a specific lubricant, follow the manual.
Step 1
Wipe down and dust the treadmill
After every workout, wipe the handrails, console and side rails with a cloth and antibacterial cleaner, focusing on areas touched by hands or reached by sweat. If the whole family uses the treadmill, disinfect it every time.
Once a week, dust around and under the treadmill with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner, including the gaps near the motor. Dust and pet hair are drawn into the mechanism and speed up belt wear.
Step 2
Inspect the machine regularly
Several times a year, check that all bolts are in place and tight. Vibration slowly loosens the fixings, so tighten them with an Allen key.
Make sure the belt runs centrally and does not drift sideways. Inspect the power cord, sockets and wiring: if you see damaged insulation or melting, stop using the machine and contact the manufacturer's service. Treat frame bolts that have seized or tarnished in a damp room with WD-40 Multi-Use.
Step 3
Lubricate the deck under the belt
About every three months, or more often with heavy use, unplug the treadmill and loosen the belt as described in the manual. Lift the belt on one side and apply a thin coat of WD-40 Specialist Silicone lubricant to the deck where the underside of the belt slides. Repeat on the other side.
Switch the treadmill on and let it run for a few minutes at low speed with nobody on it so the lubricant spreads evenly. Then wipe away any excess that has appeared on the surface or along the edges.
Step 4
Adjust the belt tension
After lubricating, restore the correct tension. A belt that is too tight wears quickly and can tear, while a slack belt slips on the front roller, which is dangerous when running.
Tension is set with the bolts on both sides of the rear roller. Turn them with the Allen key at the same time and by the same number of turns so the belt does not drift. It is easier with two people. Before training, check that the belt tracks straight and does not slip.
Tip: If the treadmill has stood unused for a long time, for example over winter in an unheated cottage or garage, dust it, check the tension and lubricate the deck with silicone again before the first run: a dry deck after storage creates extra friction and strain on the motor.
What next
Wipe the treadmill after every session, lubricate the deck every three months and check the fixings twice a year. The same products suit an elliptical or exercise bike: WD-40 Specialist Silicone for plastic rails and WD-40 Multi-Use for metal joints.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».