How to Clean a Treadmill Belt

A Treadmill is a hefty investment in anyone’s health and fitness journey. Most people love running miles and hence, dedicate a perfect space to the device. But often, forget the cleaning part.

The treadmill belt suffers this negligence the most, as most people consider it highly durable. While it’s true to some extent, the dirt, sweat, and humility can cause wear and tear to the belt.

Therefore, a proper cleaning routine is necessary for your treadmill to look great and live for years.

To clean your treadmill belt, unplug it and clean the upper surface using an anti-static duster. Wipe down the belt surface using the towel, and rotate it by hand. Let the belt dry, and you’re ready to go.

This was the most straightforward way to clean the treadmill belt. In addition, there are a few other methods. In this article, we’ll discuss each of them one by one.

Cleaning a Treadmill Belt (Upper Surface and Under Surface)

The treadmill belt has two parts; the upper visible part and the undersurface. We’ll cover each one separately.

Cleaning the Upper Surface of a Treadmill Belt

Method #1

Cleaning the upper surface may or may not require a cleaning product. While some experts forbid using a cleaning product, others find it acceptable.

However, we suggest you stick with the owner’s treadmill manual. The first method here doesn’t use any cleaning product. To start:

• Unplug the electric power of your treadmill.
• Slightly unwind the belt using a tensioner at the rear end of the treadmill. The belt should be relaxed to the extent that it comes slightly up from its usual attachment.
• Unwinding is only recommended if you have done it in the past; otherwise, ask a Pro to do it for you.
• Use an anti-static duster, preferably with soft bristles, and clean the belt’s upper surface. Pay special attention to the sides, as they usually collect dirt.
• Use a damped cloth to wipe down the belt, but make sure no water should fall on the belt.
• Then use the paper towel to dry the belt’s upper surface.
• Once done, use the belt seam as a guide, and rotate the belt. Repeat the process, and the treadmill belt will be cleaned.

Method #2:

This will require you to use a cleaning product. The cleaning product can be as simple as water and soap solution, vinegar, or a dedicated product from Amazon. The efficacy of all these products will be somewhat similar.

Make sure to read your owner’s manual before using any products. The steps will be as follows.

• Run the treadmill at the slowest speed, probably 0.5mph.
• Using an atomizer, spray the cleaning product on the treatment surface. Make sure to be thorough in the application.
• Use a scrub brush to clean the belt manually. Do this process for a good 15-20 minutes. Also, make sure to clean in both directions.
• Finally, the towel dries the belt, and you’ll be ready to go.
• Make sure through the process you should sit at the rear end of the treadmill and not by the side.
• It’s also essential to run the treadmill at its slowest speed. Otherwise, the water may propel out of the belt, causing motor damage.

Cleaning the Undersurface of a Treadmill Belt?

The dust on the upper surface may go to the side that ultimately accommodates the undersurface. Therefore, it’s important to clean the undersurface.

Manufacturers recommend lubricating the treadmill every three months, which you can do through the undersurface. To start:

• Take a towel and fold it into quarters.
• Using the stick, pass the towel under the belt and take it out from the other side.
• Stand on the towel, or ask a friend to grab the towel from the other side.
• Allow the treadmill to run at 0.5-1 mph.
• Let it run for 1-2 minutes, and then stop it.
• Remove the towel, and you’re good to go.
• If the belt is too tight, use the Allen wrench key and tensioner to loosen up the belt. Then, repeat the steps mentioned above and clean it.

Make sure not to run the treadmill at high speed. Otherwise, the towel tread could be lodged into the treadmill. Also, maintain a firm grip on both sides; otherwise, it will do more harm than good.

The lubrication would be done by a similar method. Most of the time, manufacturers recommend specific lubricants for the treadmill. Again, it’s essential to consult the owner’s manual here.

Also, sometimes, the belt is pre-lubricated and needs just to be cleaned. In such cases, avoid lubrication.

The Importance of Cleaning the Treadmill Belt

A treadmill belt often encounters the most wear and tear, deteriorating quickly. Therefore, taking good care of your treadmill belt is essential.

But nobody likes to clean the treadmill belt immediately after the workout. So, we recommend dedicating a particular time every week.

Gradually, you’ll develop a habit that will help the treadmill last for your years. As for the benefits, cleaning your treadmill will give you the following effects.

• The belt will move smoothly, and as a result, you’ll have safer workouts.
• The antibacterial effect of cleaning the belt will keep the belt stay for long. It will also protect your feet and shoes from bacteria.
• Sweat removal. Sweat is the enemy of the treadmill, especially the belt. Once you get rid of it, the machine will survive longer.

How Often Should You Clean the Treadmill Belt?

Although the choice is subjective, experts recommend a light cleaning of the treadmill every week. However, once a month, you should clean the belt thoroughly. Some experts recommend doing lubrication and cleaning together after every 150 miles. However, the accumulation of any visible dirt indicates belt cleaning.

Final Thoughts

There are a variety of opinions on how to clean a treadmill belt. The widely used method is the dry soak method without any cleaning product. However, the choice of cleaning may vary depending on the type of treadmill. Therefore, we have summarized all the methods of cleaning.