Last Updated on November 4, 2021 by Jeff
Most people buy treadmills for their home gym because they’re considered the easiest machine to use in a workout, which is true. They’re also relatively low maintenance, attracting homeowners who don’t have the time or energy to babysit their equipment.
That being said, treadmills still need maintenance, such as regular cleaning and lubricating to ensure that the machine is running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Continue reading to learn all about treadmill wax.
What Is Treadmill Wax?
Treadmill wax, oil, or lubricant, is a substance that is applied on a treadmill’s running belt and deck to prevent friction that results from moving parts and ensure smooth, more efficient operation.
How to Choose the Right Type 
Treadmill lubricant is usually made of paraffin wax, water-based silicone, and petroleum-based silicone.
The required type depends on the treadmill that you have or will buy. If you need any help making a decision, check out our treadmill reviews and best-rated home treadmills.
Once you have the treadmill you want, check the owner’s manual to see what works best for you because the wrong type will do more harm than good.
Generally speaking, most modern treadmills, such as the NordicTrack commercial 1750 treadmill, c 700 treadmill, and pro2000 treadmill, love 100% silicone lubricants, which come in spray and liquid forms.
That being said, many treadmills, especially older models, need paraffin wax because it’s easier to clean, which you’ll have to do every time you re-lubricate. Plus, it has impressive lasting powers. Wax lubricants come in stick and powder forms.
What’s the Point of Waxing a Treadmill? 
If you’ve spent your whole life thinking that all you need to do for treadmill maintenance is dust off your treadmill and maybe vacuum, your first reaction to the idea of waxing your fitness equipment is probably “why?” Simply put, it saves you a lot of money and repairs.
Reduce Friction
The most obvious reason for the necessity of a treadmill wax is to reduce friction. A treadmill is fitness equipment with a lot of moving parts, which means that friction is bound to happen anyway. Yet, it should be prevented early, and you can do so by waxing the equipment. The concept is very similar to lubricating a squeaky door.
Reduce Electricity Consumption
The higher the friction, the harder the treadmill will have to work for you to use it, which results in higher electricity consumption. So, if you don’t want to pay more in electricity bills, it’s time to make your equipment operate efficiently by lubricating it.
Protect Motor and Parts
The increase in friction overworks the treadmill, forcing the motor to work harder to keep it running, which wears the motor out quickly. In addition, the running belt and deck won’t last long either. Electrical components are also overloaded when friction heightens, which is why lubrication is necessary for your treadmill to be safe to use in the long run.
How to Wax Your Treadmill
Now that you know that you should wax your treadmill to make it last longer, it’s time to know how to actually do it.
1. Clean the Treadmill 
Dust and debris easily build up on treadmills. It’s important to dust the treadmill or vacuum it if needed before lubrication because lubricating dirty equipment will make it rust, which is counterproductive.
2. Run the Treadmill for Five Minutes
Before you jump into the lubrication, prepare the equipment by running it for 5 minutes at high speed to warm it up and help the wax melt.
3. Turn Off the Treadmill 
Needless to say, you should turn off the equipment and unplug it before lubricating it to prevent the wax from making an unnecessary mess.
4. Lift the Belt
Now that the treadmill is unplugged, lift the edge of the running belt to expose the deck. Next, apply the wax or lubricant of your choice front to back, covering the entire surface that’s typically covered by the belt. Try to apply it as close to the center as possible to prevent slippage.
5. Put the Belt Back
Before you do anything else, the treadmill needs to return to its original state for obvious safety reasons. So, put the belt back and adjust it so that it’s at the right tension.
6. Re-Start the Treadmill
The wax that you applied needs proper distribution, so you’ll need to plug the machine and turn it on again to spread the wax around. Keep it running from 2 to 5 minutes at high speed.
How Do You Know If Your Treadmill Needs Lube?
To avoid over-lubricating the machine, you can always check it by lifting the running belt and touching the deck surface yourself. If it still feels waxy or oily, it’s a sign that it doesn’t need lubrication at the moment. If it feels completely dry, it’s time to get waxed.
How Often Should I Lubricate My Treadmill?
It depends on the treadmill, the frequency of your usage, and the level of lubrication. Generally speaking, you can lubricate your treadmill once every 3 to 6 months. You can always check with the manufacturer if you’re unsure. Checking its lubrication yourself also helps.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, waxing your treadmill is essential for the machine to reach its peak performance. It reduces the friction between its moving parts, which protects it and conserves its energy.
Just pick the kind of wax that suits your treadmill and lubricate it after cleanup once every 3 to 6 months.