How to Remove Silicone Lubricant from your Running Belt

Silicone lubricant is recommended for lubricating your treadmill since it is durable and doesn’t break down under the forces generated by the moving parts. While lubricating your running belt is not a difficult task and can be performed at home, sometimes you may end up with some silicone lubricant on top of your running belt. The very properties that make silicone such an excellent lubricant also make it a nuisance when it finds its way onto your treadmill’s mat. Here are some tips on how to remove it and keep your belt clean:

STEP 1: Wash with Soap and Water 

Silicone lubricant is notoriously difficult to get rid of so you may have to try more than one technique to remove it. First, use soap and water or laundry detergent, water and clean rags to try to remove the lubricant. You can also use a hand scrubber, but make sure that you’re not damaging the treadmill mat. Dry the mat thoroughly after cleaning to prevent it from warping. 

STEP 2: Apply Denatured Alcohol 

If soap and water are not effective, try using denatured alcohol next. Simply saturate a clean rag with the alcohol and vigorously rub it on the treadmill mat. There's no need to worry about warping the mat as the denatured alcohol will evaporate on its own.

STEP 3: Use a Foam Cleanser 

If the treadmill mat still feels slippery, try some foam cleanser. We recommend the kind that is used to clean computers. Apply some foam cleanser to the mat, allow the cleanser to be absorbed by the mat, and then wipe it off. This may require multiple applications before the silicone lubricant is completely removed.

STEP 4: Use Formula 409 

If all else fails, try using Formula 409. This is an industrial grade cleaner so it should be used with caution. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying the cleaner and ensure that you use safety equipment such as rubber gloves and safety goggles. 

STEP 5: Give it Some Time 

If your treadmill mat still has some remnants of silicone lubricant, do not worry. Continue to use your treadmill as normal and eventually any remnants of the lubricant will wear off. Of course, if the mat is still slippery, please do not use the treadmill. Try cleaning the mat again or consider replacing the mat if necessary for safety.