Why Clean Top of Belt?

Proper maintenance of your treadmill plays a vital role in its longevity. One of the essential aspects of its maintenance is proper lubrication of the backing (underside) of the Belt. While lubricating the backing or underside of the walk belt is necessary, avoid putting any cleaners under the walk belt.

For lubrication, we have designed a specialized lubricant called "World Famous Treadmill Lube" with a unique agent that repels dirt from the underside of the Belt. Additionally, it has another agent with a high heat constant, which requires more energy to heat it, thereby keeping the temperature low. Therefore, keeping your treadmill adequately maintained, including cleaning the topside of the walking belt and lubricating the underside of the walking belt, is essential to prevent dirt accumulation and friction created by a dry walk belt (underside).

The Importance Of Cleaning Your Treadmill Belt

Here are a few important ways to clean your Treadmill Belt:

Preventing Injuries: The problem with treadmills is that a dirty or worn-out belt often presents a great danger as it can injure other potential electronic issues if the walking belt is not maintained. If dirt, debris, or worn-out rubber gets on the belt, it can make it slick, increasing the likelihood of slipping and falling or tripping. Cleaning your treadmill belt from time to time effectively prevents injuries and provides a convenient, safe working space and a healthy treadmill.
Improving Performance: A smooth and clean treadmill creates an efficient performance level in which the accuracy of your workout improves. A dirty, dusty walk belt can cause the treadmill to shake, move at an uneven motion, or cause slipping which in turn affects your gait during training. Better yet, keeping your treadmill belt clean can ensure the optimal attainment of performance your fitness goals.
Reducing Noise: An uncleaned treadmill walk belt can cause loud and annoying noises, and you feel unstable or even a slipping sensation. One of the benefits that you will gain when cleaning your treadmill belt is noise reduction and making a comfortable workout environment.
Prolonging the Life of Your Treadmill: The lifespan of your treadmill increases with proper and frequent cleaning of the belt. The presence of a dirty belt and wear and tear can cause costly repairs to your treadmill’s motor, lower electronics, bearing, and other parts. Your treadmill belt will last longer if you keep it clean, which helps save you money versus having to buy a brand-new treadmill.

How to Know When Your Treadmill Belt Needs Cleaning

Here are some signs that your treadmill belt needs cleaning:

Dirt and debris accumulation: Look for dirt, dust, and debris trapped in the treadmill belt. If the belt is dirty, it may not glide smoothly or efficiently, damaging the motor, lower electronics, and other components.
Belt slipping: The treadmill belt is likely worn or stretched, and any excess dirt can cause slipping and a worn walk belt may be too loose, causing skipping. Ensure the belt is correctly tensioned and centered on the walk deck.
Wear and tear: Carefully look at the treadmill belt for signs of aging or damage, including fraying, cracking, and shiny glaze down the entire walk belt where your feet' placement normally strikes the belt, as well as rubber separation. However, if you find any of the symptoms mentioned above, cleaning it immediately is highly preferred to avoid further damage. Some wear of the walking belt, such as separation or fraying, usually means it is time to replace the walking belt to prevent any damage to the unit and to prevent injury.
Oil or lubricant buildup: Look out for any oil or lubricant gathering on the treadmill's belt. If it is, then wipe the walk belt top surface off the same way using a dry cloth.
Unusual noises: If you hear irregular noises like squeaking, grinding, and screeching while running on a treadmill, inspect the walking belt for any debris, dirt, or damage. If the noises persist, recommend following up with the Treadmill doctor for treadmill repair help.
Age: Even if the treadmill walking belt looks clean, it may need periodic cleaning, depending on the age. Many treadmill belts have cleaning regimens recommended. To check for specific guidelines, please refer to your manufacturer's owner's manual.
Power loss: When the treadmill's motor fails to hold the desired speed indicated by the user, this can indicate that the walking belt needs to be cleaned and lubed.
Visible signs of wear: Look for signs of a worn walk belt, such as cracking, fraying, shiny patterns on the topside of the walk belt and any separation of layers or seams. Routine cleaning and maintenance are recommended for the treadmill's longevity.

How to clean the treadmill belt?

Treadmill Doctor’s walking belt cleaner is the one we recommend; it is a great cleaner for walking belts. Here are some steps to clean your treadmill belt:

Turn off the treadmill: You should always ensure that the treadmill is turned off and unplugged before cleaning the walk belt. It will prevent any unwanted start-ups or electrical shocks.
Remove the motor hood: Generally, there is a detachable motor hood that covers the lower electronics and drive motor. This motor hood prevents dust and debris from getting into sensitive areas that need to be kept clean and free from dirt. Always be very careful not to touch or drop anything onto the lower electronics to avoid damage.
Vacuum the Belt: When applicable, a portable vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment can be used to clean the walking belt to draw out surface dust and particles from around the belt and on the top side of the walking belt. Start from one end of the belt and continue to all areas of the walking belt and the top side of the walk platform, including the side rails. Always be very careful not to touch or drop anything onto the lower electronics to avoid damage.
Use a cleaning solution: Treadmill Doctor’s walking belt cleaner is the one we recommend. Clean the top surface of the walking belt, use a clean cloth with the belt cleaner, do not over-dampen the walking belt, and allow any moist area to dry before re-applying the walk belt lubrication to the underside of the walking belt and before using the treadmill. Avoid dropping any liquid in the motor compartment, as the drive motor or lower electronics could be damaged.
Scrub the Belt: If you need a more intense cleaning, make sure the walking belt is not worn and needs replacement. When there are harder-to-clean areas, clean them thoroughly by rubbing them with a soft-bristled brush or scrubbing in small circular motions with a clean cloth and belt cleaner. Always be very careful not to touch or drop anything onto the lower electronics to avoid damage.
Dry the Belt: Use a clean towel to dry the belt completely. Additionally, using a blowing dryer with a setting of low velocities and low Heat implements faster drying. (Do not Heat the belt as it could melt) Do not blow dry around any electronics to avoid damage.
Apply walk belt lubricant: To continue maintenance of the walk belt, we recommend applying a walking belt lubrication pack like Treadmill Doctors World Famous Lube, as this lube actually lubricates and cleans with every use.

Final Verdict:

For optimal service of your treadmill, you need to apply lubrication occasionally on the bottom side of the walking belt once every eight months to once per year in a home setting, to minimize friction that could result from the dirt and wear of use over time. In order to minimize dirt buildup, it is important that you maintain a climate-controlled environment for the treadmill whenever possible.

During cleaning the treadmill, be sure to clean any debris or dirt from the top of the walking belt and not the underside where the existing lubricant should remain. Using these tips, you can keep your treadmill functioning in the best condition.

FAQs

What is the procedure for cleaning a treadmill belt at home?

If I were to suggest something, it would be Treadmill Doctor Walk Belt Cleaner. Therefore, you can comfortably employ a soft-bristled brush or even use a clean cloth to get the loose dirt and debris out from beneath your treadmill’s belt. Pour an equal amount of warm water and white vinegar into a bowl; then, with some clean cloth, wipe the solution on the treadmill belt. Let the solution remain on the belt for about 10 – 15 minutes, then clean with a damp cloth and air dry.

What is the process of cleaning a treadmill that has been soiled?

Completing the appropriate cleaning and maintenance steps should help maintain your treadmill in good shape. First, disconnect the power cord from a wall socket to prevent electrical shock or damage. Next, cleanse the dust from the side rails with a dry cloth. To clean the topside of the walking belt, use Treadmill Doctor Belt Cleaner or our fabricated blade.

Moreover, ensure that it is necessary to reapply walking belt lube, including World Famous Treadmill Lube. It is important to note that spray cleaners containing solvents such as winks and other products must not be used in the console, on any of its parts, or even near all electronic sections.

How do I know if my treadmill walking belt is worn out?

There are many signs that the treadmill walking belt is working out:

Burning smell
The walking belt bogs down during a workout.
When power fluctuates in your home, lights dim when using your treadmill.
Treadmill shuts off
The circuit breaker on the treadmill blows.
The walking Belt physically has holes in it or shows signs of severe wear, like a shiny
pattern on the walking belt, where you place your feet when walking.
The walking belt separates at the seam or layers separate.
Often, when the walking belt needs to be replaced, and there are delays, the result is a bad lower electronic motor control board or the drive motor.

How long does a treadmill last?

As for a treadmill, taking good care of it will increase its lifespan in your house. It takes good maintenance, parts replacement when it is worn out, and proper control of the controlled environment to ensure that one can keep your treadmill in a functional condition for several years. With these basic tips, you will be able not only to prolong the life of your treadmill in a natural way but also enjoy maximum investment returns.

How often should you lubricate a treadmill walking belt?

With proper maintenance, you can be assured of the durability and efficiency of running your treadmill. One of the most important maintenance tasks is lubricating the bottom side surface of the walking belt with intervals of between 8 and 12 months. It helps minimize the wear and tear between the belt and deck, thereby reducing damage while extending machine life.