HOW TO CLEAN A TREADMILL

Keeping your treadmill clean is an important part of its maintenance program and will help to extend the treadmill's life expectancy. The best way to clean your treadmill is by following the directions provided in your treadmill owner's manual. If your owner's manual is not available, here are some general procedures suitable for the routine cleaning most home treadmills.

After each workout on the treadmill, use a damp, soft cloth to wipe all exposed surfaces, such as the display console, handrails, the motor shroud, and foot rests, but not the running belt, to remove sweat, body oils and grime. The cloth should feel damp to the touch, but not damp enough to leave water on your hands. For stubborn spots, wet the cloth in a mild solution of dish washing liquid, wring it thoroughly, wipe the trouble spots clean and wipe again with another damp soft cloth. Never use any harsh cleaners, never attempt to mop any part of a treadmill, pour water or cleaning agents onto the treadmill and do not spray any liquids onto or into the treadmill.

To clean the treadmill's running belt, brush it with a soft nylon scrub brush and vacuum up any dirt particles. Do not apply any cleaning agents to the running belt, because any residue left behind might make the surface slippery and may actually attract and hold dust and dirt.

Periodically, but no less than once a month, elevate the treadmill and vacuum the area under it. This will minimize the amount of dirt that would otherwise get sucked up into the treadmill's motor compartment.

A little prevention will go a long way toward keeping your treadmill clean. Wash your hands before using the treadmill if your hands are sticky or loaded with hand cream and don't wear your street shoes when walking on it. Keep a pair of appropriate footwear handy, just for use with the treadmill.

The consumer does not have to and should not remove the motor cover to clean the motor compartment. The motor compartment should be cleaned when professional preventive maintenance is done to the treadmill.