If you’re reading this, you probably have a treadmill at home that’s been your trusty companion through many a workout. But did you know that your treadmill needs some TLC too?
And today, we’re going to show you how to do just that with some simple, budget-friendly DIY solutions.
Why Go DIY?
You might be wondering, “Why should I bother making my own cleaning solutions when I can just buy one?” Well, there are a few good reasons.
First, DIY solutions can save you a pretty penny.
Second, you know exactly what’s going into your cleaner, so no nasty chemicals that you can’t even pronounce.
And third, it’s eco-friendly – less plastic waste from commercial products. So, it’s a win-win-win!
Gather Your Materials
Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. Don’t worry, there’s nothing fancy here – you probably have most of these items at home already:
- Dish soap (the same one you use to wash your dishes will do just fine)
- Vinegar (white vinegar is a great natural cleaner)
- Baking soda (yep, the one from your kitchen cupboard)
- A soft cloth or scrub brush (nothing too abrasive)
- A dry towel (for drying the belt after cleaning)
Let’s Mix Some DIY Cleaning Solutions
Now, onto the fun part – mixing our DIY cleaning solutions! We’ve got two recipes for you to try:
Solution 1: Dish Soap and Warm Water
This one’s as simple as it gets. Just mix a few drops of dish soap with a bucket of warm water. This gentle solution is perfect for regular cleaning. Easy peasy!
Solution 2: Vinegar and Baking Soda
Got some stubborn grime on your belt? This solution’s for you. Mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda until it forms a paste. This combo packs a punch and can tackle tougher dirt. Remember to rinse thoroughly to avoid leaving any residue.
The Cleaning Process: A Deep Dive
Cleaning your treadmill belt might seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you out:
Unplug the Treadmill: Safety first, always! Make sure to unplug your treadmill before you start cleaning. This is to prevent any electrical accidents.
Step 2
Prepare Your Cleaning Solution: Choose either the dish soap and warm water solution for a gentle clean or the vinegar and baking soda paste for a deeper clean. Mix your chosen solution in a bucket or bowl.
Step 3
Apply the Cleaning Solution: Dip your soft cloth or scrub brush in the cleaning solution. Wring out any excess liquid – you want the cloth or brush to be damp, not soaking wet.
Step 4
Lift the Belt: Now, this is where things get a bit tricky. You’ll need to lift the treadmill belt away from the machine to clean it properly. To do this, reach under the belt from the side, lift it gently, and slide your hand under it. Be careful not to stretch or damage the belt.
Step 5
Clean the Belt: With the belt lifted, use your damp cloth or brush to clean the underside of the belt. This is where most of the dirt and grime accumulate. Start from the front of the machine and work your way towards the back, cleaning small sections at a time. Remember to re-dip your cloth or brush in the cleaning solution as needed.
Step 6
Rinse: Once you’ve cleaned the entire belt, it’s time to rinse. Wet a new cloth with clean, warm water and wipe down the belt to remove any soap or vinegar residue. Again, make sure the cloth is damp, not soaking wet.
Step 7
Dry the Belt: Using a dry towel, thoroughly dry the underside of the belt. It’s important to remove as much moisture as possible to prevent damage to the electronic components of the machine.
Step 8
Repeat on the Top Side: Repeat the cleaning, rinsing, and drying process on the top side of the belt – the part you walk or run on.
Step 9
Let it Air Dry: After you’ve finished cleaning and drying, let the treadmill sit for a few hours to air dry completely before plugging it back in.
Step 10
Check the Belt Tension and Alignment: Cleaning can sometimes cause the belt to lose tension or become misaligned. Check your treadmill’s user manual for instructions on how to adjust the belt tension and alignment.
Can You use WD-40 silicone spray on a treadmill belt?
WD-40 silicone spray is a popular product for lubricating various types of machinery, but it’s not typically recommended for treadmill belts. Treadmill belts require a specific type of lubricant to ensure proper function and longevity.
Most treadmill manufacturers recommend using a 100% silicone lubricant. This type of lubricant reduces friction between the belt and the treadmill deck, which can extend the life of your treadmill and provide a smoother running experience. It’s also non-petroleum based, which is important because petroleum-based products can degrade the treadmill belt and other components over time.
WD-40 silicone spray, while excellent for many uses, is not specifically designed for treadmill belts and may not provide the same benefits as a dedicated treadmill lubricant. It’s also worth noting that using a non-recommended lubricant could potentially void your treadmill’s warranty.
