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A home treadmill is one of the most convenient bits of fitness kit you can own. No weather excuses, no travel time, no safety concerns…just step on and go. But that convenience only lasts if your treadmill is properly maintained.
One of the most common reasons treadmills start to feel rough, noisy, or sluggish is surprisingly simple: a dry belt. The good news is that lubricating a treadmill belt is quick, inexpensive, and absolutely something you can do yourself, no engineer required.
Here’s what you need to know, from why lubrication matters to how to do it safely and correctly.
What is the treadmill belt?
The treadmill belt is the moving surface you walk or run on. It loops around two rollers — one at the front (the drive roller, powered by the motor) and one at the back — and slides over a fixed deck beneath it.
Every step you take presses the belt down onto the deck. Over time, this creates friction between the belt and the deck surface. That friction is what lubrication is designed to reduce.
Why lubricating the belt is important
When the belt isn’t properly lubricated, friction increases. That means the motor has to work harder just to keep the belt moving at the same speed.
Over time, excess friction can:
- Make the belt feel jerky or uneven
- Increase wear on the belt and deck
- Put extra strain on the motor and electronics
- Shorten the overall lifespan of the treadmill
Lubrication creates a thin barrier between the belt and the deck, allowing the belt to glide smoothly and reducing stress on the internal components.
In short: a lubricated belt protects your treadmill and keeps runs feeling smooth.
Check your manual first
Before doing anything, take a quick look at your treadmill’s owner’s manual.
Some modern treadmills use maintenance-free belts that do not require lubrication. In some cases, adding lubricant when it’s not recommended can even void your warranty.
If your manual specifies lubrication:
- Follow the recommended product type
- Stick to the suggested frequency
If you no longer have the manual, most manufacturers make them available online.
How often should you lubricate a treadmill belt?
There’s no single rule that applies to every treadmill. Depending on the model, recommendations can range anywhere from every 25 hours to every 180 hours of use.
That said, there’s a practical rule of thumb:
It’s better to lubricate small amounts more frequently than large amounts infrequently.
You can also check manually. With the treadmill switched off and unplugged, lift the edge of the belt and feel between the belt and the deck. You should notice a slight slick or slippery feel. If it feels dry — especially in the centre of the belt — it’s time to lubricate.
A common mistake is only checking the edges. The centre of the belt usually dries out first because that’s where most foot strikes land and where heat builds up.
What lubricant should you use?
Only use 100% silicone treadmill lubricant.
Avoid products like WD-40 or general-purpose oils, as they contain additives that can damage the belt or deck over time.
Liquid silicone lubricants with an extendable nozzle tend to be the easiest to apply because they let you reach the centre of the belt without loosening it. Some kits use foam applicators, which work, but are usually more fiddly.
How to lubricate a treadmill belt safely
This is a simple job, but safety matters.
Before you start:
- Unplug the treadmill from the power supply
- Place paper towels or a mat around the base to catch drips
- Make sure you have the correct lubricant ready
Once you’re set, the whole process takes about five minutes the first time, and even less once you’ve done it before.
Step-by-step: lubricating your treadmill belt
- Unplug the treadmill
Always disconnect it from power before putting your hands near the belt. - Lift the edge of the belt
Gently lift one side of the belt so you can access the space between the belt and the deck. - Apply the lubricant under the centre of the belt
Aim for the area where your feet usually land. Around half an ounce is often enough; very dry belts may need closer to one ounce total across both sides.
Avoid getting lubricant on the top (running surface) of the belt, it’s slippery and hard to clean. - Repeat on the other side if needed
You don’t need to coat the entire deck. Focus on the central running zone. - Plug the treadmill back in
- Walk slowly for 2–3 minutes
Set the treadmill to a very slow speed and walk to help distribute the lubricant evenly under the belt.
That’s it…no parts removed, no adjustments required.
Common mistakes to avoid
A few small errors can cause issues:
- Using too much lubricant (it can leak out and make a mess)
- Using the wrong type of lubricant
- Applying lubricant to the top of the belt
- Skipping the manual’s guidance
- Forgetting to unplug the treadmill before starting
Keeping it simple and minimal is usually best.
The bottom line
Lubricating your treadmill belt is one of the easiest ways to keep your treadmill running smoothly, quietly, and reliably. Done correctly, it reduces wear, protects the motor, and makes every run or walk feel better.
If your treadmill feels rough, noisy, or sluggish — or if it’s been a while since your last service — a quick belt lubrication is often all it needs.
