Believe it or not, there are things you should be doing daily, weekly, and monthly to maintain your treadmill. If you are running or walking on it daily, there is some upkeep you can do to keep your treadmill operating smoothly. In my experience, most people aren’t doing all of these steps, and some never do any of them.
I’ve used tons of treadmills and combed through treadmill manuals. In my years spent working in gyms, I often had to clean the machines. One of the lessons I learned there was how important daily maintenance is because it saves your machine from needing a more in-depth clean later. If you wait too long, the build-up on your treadmill could impact its operation.
Use this guide to clean your treadmill and prevent complications from sweat and dirt accumulation.
Daily
After every workout, you should wipe sweat, dust, and any other debris off the treadmill console and deck. You don’t have to do anything too complicated, like loosening the belt, but you clean any exposed surface that comes into contact with sweat or dirt with a quick wipe. Wiping away sweat can prevent metal components from rusting.
Keep your daily cleaning supplies close to the treadmill for easy access.
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A dry cloth or paper towel will do, but you can use water or a treadmill-safe cleaner for a deeper clean. If you use water or a treadmill-safe cleaner, make sure your washcloth or paper towel is only damp, never dripping. A dry microfiber cloth is also a really good choice for wiping down your treadmill; it worked really well for me.
If you want to clean the electronics on the console, be sure to use only electronics cleaner. Glass cleaner is not safe for touchscreens.
Regardless of what cleaning solution you use, you should never spray it directly onto the treadmill. Spray it onto a paper towel or washcloth to wipe your treadmill down.
Pro Tip: Keep a pair of walking or running shoes just for the treadmill to avoid tracking in dirt from your outdoor exercise sessions.
Weekly
Fold up your treadmill and vacuum underneath the deck.
Once a week (or more often, depending on the level of use and cleanliness), vacuum around the treadmill. You can also vacuum underneath the treadmill and the belt and deck. If you want to make sure you get the entire treadmill belt, set it to a slow speed.
If you’ve been spot cleaning the treadmill daily, then weekly you should do a bigger clean. Wipe down the console, storage compartments, frame, and any plastic covers with a damp cloth (water or treadmill cleaner).
Pro Tip: Do not use an ammonia-based cleaner.
Monthly
The exact timing of this next step will depend a lot on how often you use your treadmill. If you are using it for hours every day or sharing it with other users, you may need to do this next step monthly.
After completing your normal wiping and vacuuming steps, open the motor hood. You will likely need a screwdriver to do so. Some motor hoods slide on and off, so be careful not to lift it up and break the plastic closure. With the motor hood open, vacuum any dirt or debris inside. Be careful not to interfere with the motor, drive belt, or electrical components inside.
Replace the motor hood when you are finished vacuuming.
It’s a good time to check the bolts and screws holding your treadmill together. Inspect these to ensure none have come loose, and tighten them if necessary.
If your treadmill sees heavy use, you can clean the treadmill belt.
Vacuum first, and then use a slightly damp mop or sponge to wipe off the belt. Run the treadmill at a slow speed to get the entire belt surface. If you don’t use your treadmill as often, this step may only be necessary every two to three months.
With the treadmill off, you can loosen the belt by turning the two bolts at the end of the deck counterclockwise.
When the belt is loose, you can use a paper towel or cloth to wipe off the deck beneath the belt. However, this will also remove the treadmill lubricant. You will need to reapply the treadmill lubricant as described in your treadmill manual. You can also check out our How to Lubricate Your Treadmill post.
How to Clean A Treadmill FAQs
What is the best way to clean a treadmill?
Wipe down your treadmill after every use to prevent the buildup of sweat and dirt. Use only manufacturer-approved cleaning agents, mild soap, or just water. Never use a saturated cloth or towel, but use a slightly damp one. Vacuum around and under the treadmill. Open the motor hood and vacuum inside the hood.
Can I wash my treadmill with water?
You can wipe the treadmill down with a damp cloth, but be careful not to use an overly saturated cloth or rag. You don’t want water or moisture to get inside the motor hood.
How to clean the belt on a treadmill?
Use a damp sponge or mop to clean the belt while it is running at a slow speed. Use only enough liquid to collect the dirt and debris. It should not drip or soak the belt. Avoid getting moisture into the motor hood.
What products can you use on a treadmill?
Consult your user manual for a manufacturer-approved list of cleaners. When in doubt, use only a damp cloth with water only or a diluted mild soap. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners. Use cleaners approved for electronics on the console and screen area. Do not use glass cleaner on touchscreens.
Life Fitness recommends 2XL Gym Wipes and PureGreen24 to clean their treadmills.
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