It's always important to know how to clean a treadmill belt, as this is one part of a treadmill that is prone to damage. Treadmills are notorious for getting dusty and grimy over time - which is where lubricants come into the picture. Lubrication is usually recommended to prevent damage to the belt, but what if you need to clean the belt yourself? The following guide offers simple tips on how to clean a treadmill belt in order to keep your machine in good condition.
Firstly, you do not need to apply regular cleaning agents to your treadmill. The wear and tear of your treadmill mean that certain parts will need to be serviced more regularly than others, and lubricants are not always necessary when servicing certain parts. In fact, most professional treadmill users advise against the application of lubricants at all. This is because the friction from running on a belt with a lubricant can actually damage the belt beyond repair, and over time the wear and tear of the belt will begin to cause problems.
So what can you do to ensure that you are correctly cleaning your treadmill, so that you don't damage it? The best solution to this problem is to clean your treadmill by hand. Although there are specialised treadmills cleaning fluids available, it is more likely that you will find that a simple sponge or asponge towel, combined with a small amount of baking soda, will do the job just fine.
Once you have cleaned your belt by hand, follow it up with a thorough run through it. If it has been a while, or if it has rusted, it might be necessary to run the belt through a steamer or lathe, both of which are designed specifically for the purpose of cleaning. These tools will remove any excess dirt, dust, and debris from the inner workings of your machine, ensuring that your machine runs smoothly, as well as effectively cleaning the running deck and rollers. When using these tools, it is important not to leave them in for too long, as otherwise you run the risk of damaging them. Always follow the directions on the packaging, and always be careful not to apply too much pressure when running on your treadmill, as this could damage your treadmill and your running shoes.
If you have made it through all of these steps but are still unable to remove the grime from your belt, then it may be time for you to head to your local treadmill store and ask for advice. Many treadmill stores have professionals who are able to clean your treadmill for you. You may also find that one of the machines there is also able to clean your belt for you. However, if you feel that your belt is too badly damaged for them to be able to deal with, then you will be best advised to try and tackle the problem yourself. There are a number of different ways you can go about doing this, and most of them are very simple and easy to follow.
When learning how to clean a treadmill belt, it is advisable to avoid using abrasive cleaners, such as steel wool and scouring powders. Using such products on your treadmill could potentially damage the inner workings and cause damage to your belt; as well as making it extremely difficult to clean. In general, you should try and only use products that are meant for use on treadmills, and never on any other surface. Before you know it, your treadmill will be as clean as it was when you purchased it.
