You have bought your very own treadmill and have enjoyed using it, it is time to consider the care and maintenance of your machine.
Any piece of machinery you own and use, deserves due care and maintenance if you wish to enjoy its optimum performance for years to come.
Treadmills are mostly electric, driven by a motor and are switched on by inserting a key into the console. As a safety feature, the key is attached to a lanyard which can be attached to your waist or neckline. If you have an accident while on the treadmill and you fall, the key will pull out of its slot and the machine will stop. You can keep this key in a safe place so that no unauthorised person, or any children, can use the treadmill.
Maintenance
AFTER EVERY USE, wipe the console, handrails and deck with a clean dry cloth to remove any sweat which may have been deposited. Wipe up any sweat which has dripped onto the conveyor belt. Sweat causes corrosion and cleaning up after yourself will help to keep your machine in optimum condition.
EVERY WEEK, use a non-abrasive, preferably anti-bacterial, cleaner to wipe down your treadmill, excluding the belt. Spray the cleaner onto your cloth, not onto the machine. Some experts advise that you only use a cloth, dampened with water and no soap or any other kind of cleaner.
Use a vacuum cleaner, or soft brush, to sweep the floor, under, and all around the treadmill. This will prevent grit particles and dust to get sucked into the moving parts of your machine.
Vacuum clean, brush or wipe, the entire deck area and the entire conveyor belt of your machine.
ONCE A MONTH unplug your treadmill and wait for about 30 minutes. It is then safe to remove the motor hood and to wipe the inside with a soft cloth, or to vacuum the inside.
Run the belt of your treadmill at its slowest speed, and check that the screws at the back of your treadmill are holding the belt at the correct tightness. Adjust this, if necessary, by using an Allen Key to tighten or loosen them a quarter turn at a time until the adjustment is correct.
Clean the motor by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Repairs
Preferably every four months, or according to the manufacturer’s instructions, check for loose nuts and bolts and make sure that everything is fastened and tightened properly.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions as to lubrication, the type of lubricant and where it is to be applied. Some treadmills are self-lubricating. Check your manual.
Check that your conveyor belt is running correctly, straight down the centre of the deck. If this is not so, you have to adjust the bolts at the back of the treadmill to bring it back into alignment. Work with small adjustments, until you have the belt running correctly again.
Check the tension of your conveyor belt. With use, this belt can become stretched and can start slipping. This will damage the belt and the deck of the treadmill. If the belt is too tight, it will damage the rollers and the motor. To check this, lift the side of the belt near the centre with your fingers. If you cannot lift it 5 – 7 cm, the belt is too tight and must be loosened. If you can lift it with your whole hand, the belt is too loose and must be tightened. You may also need to adjust the roller at the back of the treadmill. Consult the manufacturer’s manual.
Check your belt for wear every quarter. The belt may feel rough underneath and be worn and needs to be replaced.
By taking good care of your treadmill, you will extend the life of the moving parts and it will give you pleasure for many years to come.