Best treadmill lubricants

Treadmills are a convenient and cost effective way to stay fit but they do require maintenance from time to time. Most notably, you need to clean it, replace worn parts, and lubricate the treadmill belt. Every model is has different components so it’s always a good idea to look at the users manual for specific instructions to make sure you’re using the right lubricant. With that said, most 100% silicone liquid designed for treadmills will suffice to keep them in good working order.

Not all treadmill lubricants for your belt are made equal. But once you know what qualities to look for (and avoid), there isn’t a huge difference in performance between products. We’ve selected some of the best lubricants on the market based on the criteria below:

1. Viscosity: The viscosity of the lubricant describes the resistance to flow. The right balance ensures that it provides sufficient protection and reduces friction between the belt and deck. Lubricants that are too thick and sticky reduce flowability, which is no good for treadmills.
2. Compatibility: The lubricant should be compatible with the materials used in the treadmill belt and deck. Using a lubricant that is not compatible can cause damage to the equipment. For example, WD-40 uses petroleum distillates that can deteriorate parts under the belt. Oil lubricants are best avoided unless silicone.
3. Longevity: A high-quality lubricant should be long-lasting to to reduce maintenance costs and downtime. Depending on age and usage of the treadmill, you may not need to reapply for several months or even years.
4. Non-toxicity: It is important to use a non-toxic lubricant that does not release harmful fumes or chemicals during use. This is especially important in home settings where there may be children or pets around.
5. Ease of application: The lubricant should be easy to apply and should not require special equipment or tools.
6. Resistance to moisture and dirt: The lubricant should be resistant to moisture and dirt, as these can cause damage to the treadmill belt and deck over time.
7. Cost-effectiveness: A high-quality lubricant should be cost-effective and provide value for money over the long term.

Best treadmill lubricants – Our Top 3 Picks!

The Icon Health & Fitness lube is featured for its superior quality on the market. It’s tried and tested on popular models for brands such as NordicTrack, Reebok and ProForm. While the lubricant offers a comparatively small amount of gel to oil-based competitors, each swab application to your treadmill goes a long way and aims to improve performance for smoother (and in some cases quieter) runs.

The downside of this gel-based lube is that it takes a bit more effort to apply in the correct way. The thicker consistency makes it more difficult to disperse, even when loosening the treadmill belt. If applied successfully, it can produce great results, but you will need to follow the instructions and be careful not to swab too much into the side belt.

Spot On 100% Silicone Treadmill Belt Lubricant provides impressive performance for a wide range of treadmills including including popular brands like Nautilus, Epic, Landice, LifeSpan, NordicTrack, Sole, ProForm, Life Fitness, Horizon, Weslo, True, Lifestyler, Sportcraft, Star Trac, Woodway, Schwinn, PaceMaster, Precor, Smooth, Spirit, Vision, Fuel, and more.

The standout feature is the patented 8 inch extension tube cap, designed with a straight and stiff tube to reach under the belt for full width belt lubrication without needing to loosen it. This makes it ideal for bigger home and commercial treadmills.

Each 4 oz bottle contains approximately 4 applications, enough to protect your treadmill for a full year (you’ll likely want to reapply every 3 months). There are no intrusive smells during lubrication. And the fact that it is made in the USA and comes with a 100% money-back guarantee is an added bonus.

You may find yourself getting through this oil-based lube at a faster pace, especially with high running mileage and intensity. The bottle is small and while many pay for a hassle-free experience, there are more economical options when you’re on a budget.

The Godora Silicone Treadmill Lubricant is a great product for those looking to keep their treadmill running smoothly. It is made from 100% silicone oil that is non-toxic and odorless, making it safe for use in any home, personal, commercial, gym, compact, or folding treadmill.

The 8 inch syringe performs worse than Spot On but overall it’s still very convenient to use and reduces the time and effort required to maintain your treadmill. The main appeal of Godora is the great value for money. You can test the waters with a 4oz bottle similar to others but they offer sizes up to a 32oz jug, which contains 8 times as much lubricant at only 2-3x the price of 4oz alternatives. So, if it works well you only need to stock up at once and not bother replacing it for many years. Perfect for high usage treadmill runners who can cause faster wear and tear to the belt and motor parts. Additionally, it comes with a 100% full money-back guarantee, so you can order with confidence.

As mentioned earlier, the syringe nozzle could be improved. It doesn’t feel entirely secure and could snap if force is required when attempting to apply the lube under the belt.

Applying the lubricant – Is Oil or gel or Spray better?

When it comes to lubricating a treadmill belt, there are several options to choose from, including oil, gel, and spray. Each type of lubricant has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for your treadmill.

1. Oil: Treadmill oil is a liquid lubricant that is applied to the treadmill belt and deck. Oil is a popular choice for lubricating treadmill belts because it is easy to apply and tends to last longer than other types of lubricants. However, oil can be messy and may require more frequent cleaning of the treadmill.
2. Gel: Treadmill gel is a thicker lubricant that is applied to the treadmill belt and deck. Gel is less messy than oil and tends to provide a more even application of lubricant. However, gel may be more difficult to apply than oil and may require more frequent applications.
3. Spray: Treadmill spray lubricant is a liquid lubricant that is sprayed onto the treadmill belt and deck. Spray lubricants are easy to apply and tend to dry quickly, which can be convenient for those who want to lubricate their treadmill quickly. However, spray lubricants tend to be more expensive than other types of lubricants and may require more frequent applications.

Ultimately, the best type of lubricant for your treadmill belt depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of your treadmill. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for lubricating your treadmill to ensure that it stays in good working condition.