How to Lubricate a Walking Pad: Where, How Often and Which Oil
To lubricate a walking pad: unplug it, lift one edge of the belt, and apply a thin line of 100% silicone treadmill lubricant onto the deck underneath, in the middle where your feet land. Do the same on the other side, then run the belt empty at 2 to 3 km/h for 2 to 3 minutes to spread it. Repeat every 2 to 3 months with daily use.
Regular lubrication keeps the machine quiet and prevents belt and motor wear that the manufacturing defect warranty does not cover. Here is the full process.
Where to apply lubricant on a walking pad
The lubricant goes between the belt and the deck, the flat board the belt slides over. It does not go on top of the belt, on the rollers at each end, or near the motor.
- Lift the belt edge on one side, about 5 to 10 cm, so you can see the deck underneath.
- Aim for the middle third of the deck, the area under your feet when you walk.
- Apply a thin line across the deck, reaching as far towards the centre as the nozzle allows.
- Repeat from the other side so the whole walking area is covered once the belt spreads it.
Some walking pads have a small lubrication hole or a marked gap at the side. If yours does, the user manual will show it. Otherwise, lifting the belt edge works on any model.
How much lubricant to use
A little goes a long way. Most walking pads need only about 5 to 10 ml in total, split between the two sides, or the amount in your user manual. Too much makes the belt slip and attracts dust, so start small. You can always add more next time if the belt still feels grippy.
Step 1: Unplug it
Always disconnect the power before any maintenance. Fold the handrail down and lay the walking pad flat on a stable surface with good light.
Step 2: Clean the belt
Wipe the belt and side rails with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust and grit. Do not soak the belt or let water near the motor housing.
Step 3: Check belt tension and alignment
With the machine off, run your hand along the belt. It should sit centred between the side rails. If it has drifted to one side, it may need a tension adjustment. Check the user manual for the adjustment bolts.
Step 4: Apply lubricant under the belt
Gently lift one edge of the belt and apply silicone-based treadmill lubricant (included in the box) along the deck underneath. Spread it from side to side in a thin layer. Repeat on the other edge. Avoid petroleum-based lubricants, which can damage the belt over time.
Step 5: Spread the lubricant
Plug the walking pad back in and run it at 2 to 3 km/h for 2 to 3 minutes without walking on it. This spreads the lubricant evenly.
Step 6: Set a reminder
Repeat every 2 to 3 months with daily use, or every 4 to 6 months with light use. A belt that feels noisier or grippier than usual is the first sign it needs lubricating sooner.
How often to lubricate a walking pad
| How you use it | How often to lubricate |
|---|---|
| Daily, 30 minutes or more | Every 2 to 3 months |
| A few times a week | Every 3 to 4 months |
| Occasionally | Every 4 to 6 months |
| Regular running at higher speeds | Every 1 to 2 months |
Many people find it easiest to lubricate every time the seasons change, such as the start of the long rains and the start of the short rains.
Which oil to use, and which to avoid
| Use | Avoid |
|---|---|
| 100% silicone treadmill lubricant, like the bottle in our box | WD-40 and other spray solvents |
| Silicone lubricant sold for treadmill belts | Cooking oil, Vaseline or engine oil |
| Any petroleum-based grease |
Silicone stays slippery without going sticky. Cooking oil and petroleum products break down the belt and the deck over time, and spray solvents strip the coating the belt needs. When the bottle in the box runs out, ask for 100% silicone treadmill lubricant at a fitness shop, or message us.
How to tell your walking pad needs oil
- The belt hesitates or jerks when you put your foot down.
- It sounds louder than usual, with a squeak or a rubbing sound.
- The motor sounds strained at a speed it used to handle easily.
- When you lift the belt edge and touch the deck, it feels dry rather than slightly slick.
Warning signs to act on
- A burning smell while in use. Stop at once and unplug it.
- The belt slipping, or a slapping sound at a steady speed.
- The belt drifting to one side even after lubricating.
Deal with any of these before you keep using the machine. If your walking pad is still in its first year, it may be a warranty issue, so message us.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I lubricate a walking pad belt? Every 2 to 3 months with daily use, or every 4 to 6 months with occasional use. A grippier or noisier belt means it is due sooner.
Where do you apply lubricant on a walking pad? Between the belt and the deck. Lift one edge of the belt, apply a thin line on the deck under the middle of the belt, repeat on the other side, then run the belt empty for 2 to 3 minutes to spread it.
What lubricant should I use? 100% silicone treadmill lubricant, like the one in the box. Avoid petroleum-based products, which can damage the belt.
Can I use WD-40 or cooking oil on a walking pad? No. WD-40 is a solvent and can strip the belt's coating. Cooking oil goes sticky and damages the belt. Use only silicone treadmill lubricant.
How do I oil a walking pad without lifting the belt? Check your manual for a lubrication hole or a marked gap at the side of the deck. If there is none, loosen the belt slightly with the tension bolts at the back, lubricate, then re-tighten and re-centre the belt.
Does skipping maintenance void the warranty? The 1-year warranty covers manufacturing defects. Wear from lack of maintenance is not covered, so regular lubrication protects you from avoidable repair costs. See our full warranty and returns terms.
Need a walking pad? See the foldable walking pad treadmill, KSh 24,800.
Foldable Walking Pad Treadmill, KSh 24,800
Walks at 1 to 6 km/h under a desk and runs up to 14 km/h with the handrail up. Folds flat, no assembly. Delivered in 3 hours in Nairobi and to any town in Kenya.
