Comparison
Silicone vs wax treadmill lubricant: which does your belt need
Published
Note: This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
In short
Most home treadmills and walking pads use 100 percent silicone lubricant applied under the belt, and many include a bottle in the box. Some decks are pre-waxed or described as maintenance free and should not be given silicone unless the maker says so. Never use household oils, cooking oil or WD-40 style sprays. The manual is the final word.
Products for this job
Compare all 7 productsKALWOL 4-in-1: 10% incline, 40 dB or less, 160 kg
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkFOUSAE 5-in-1: 1 to 12 km/h, fold-down handle, 160 kg
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkGEOTECH K3000: 20% auto incline, 4.0 HP, 181 kg
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
Our verdict
Use 100 percent silicone treadmill lubricant if your manual specifies it, which covers most home machines. Use nothing on a pre-waxed or maintenance-free deck unless the maker says so, and never use household oils.
The deck under a treadmill belt needs a slippery layer so the belt glides instead of dragging. Over time that layer wears away, the belt starts to squeak or judder, and the motor works harder. Two kinds of deck lubrication are common: liquid silicone that you apply yourself, and wax that is built into or applied to the deck. They are not interchangeable. This article explains the difference, how to tell which your machine needs and what to avoid.
Silicone and wax compared
Liquid silicone is by far the most common on home treadmills and walking pads. Wax systems appear on some decks that are pre-treated at the factory, often described as maintenance free or low maintenance. The table summarises the general differences.
| 100 percent silicone | Wax | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Liquid in a bottle with a long nozzle | Built into the deck or applied as a stick or paste |
| Used on | Most home treadmills and walking pads | Some pre-waxed or maintenance-free decks |
| Applied by | You, every so often as the manual says | Usually the factory; reapplied only if the maker says |
| Mixing | Do not add to a waxed deck unless instructed | Do not add silicone unless instructed |
| Where to buy | Treadmill silicone, often supplied with the machine | From the maker or as specified |
How to tell which your treadmill needs
Check the manual first. It will say what type of lubricant to use, how much and how often, usually by hours of use or distance. Many walking pads ship with a small bottle of silicone oil, which is a clear sign. For example, the Urevo Strol listing notes lubricant should be applied every 125 miles.
If the manual says the deck is pre-waxed or maintenance free, do not add silicone without checking with the maker. Mixing the two can leave a sticky residue and may affect the warranty. If you have lost the manual, most makers publish them online by model number.
What not to use
Household oils, cooking oil, petroleum-based lubricants and multi-purpose sprays are not suitable. They can attack the belt's underside, attract dust and fluff into a paste, and soak into the deck. The result is often more drag, not less.
Silicone sprays sold for other uses may contain propellants or solvents. Unless the product is sold for treadmills and matches what your manual specifies, it is safer to buy treadmill silicone.
Note:Unplug the treadmill and remove the safety key before lifting the belt or applying lubricant.
How to apply silicone lubricant
Silicone goes between the belt and the deck, not on top of the belt. Lift one edge of the belt, slide the nozzle towards the centre and apply a thin line, then repeat on the other side. Walk at a slow speed for a few minutes to spread it. Our step-by-step walking pad lubrication guide has the full routine.
- 1
Unplug and remove the safety key.
- 2
Wipe dust from the belt edges and the deck where you can reach.
- 3
Lift the belt edge and apply silicone along the centre line of the deck.
- 4
Repeat on the other side, using the amount in your manual.
- 5
Plug back in and walk slowly for a few minutes to spread it.
- 6
Wipe away any excess at the edges.
Signs your deck needs attention
A belt that squeaks under each step, feels like it hesitates, or smells warm after use can all point to a dry deck. A belt that slips can also be a tension issue; see treadmill belt slipping. If noise is the problem, walking pad making noise matches sounds to causes.
Too much silicone causes its own problems: the belt can slip or drift and the excess collects dust. Use the amount in the manual and no more. If you are shopping for a new pad and want low upkeep, our quiet walking pads guide is a good starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use WD-40 on my treadmill belt? No. Multi-purpose sprays are not designed for treadmill decks and can damage the belt and deck. Use the silicone your maker specifies.
Is there an alternative to treadmill lubricant? Not a safe household one. Buy 100 percent silicone sold for treadmills, or the product named in your manual.
How do I know if my deck is waxed? The manual will say if the deck is pre-waxed or maintenance free. If in doubt, contact the maker before adding anything.
Do I need to lubricate a walking pad before first use? Some makers ask you to; others pre-lubricate at the factory. Follow the manual.
What you need
- Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
KALWOL 4-in-1: 10% incline, 40 dB or less, 160 kg
- Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
UMAY treadmill: 15% auto incline, 12 km/h, 180 kg