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Best Treadmill Lubricant
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Application
This is a big issue to consider because if a product is difficult to use, you are going to feel less compelled to use it as much as you should.
There were quite a few designs that had innovative application processes that we liked, but they also had a few drawbacks. The most effective style was the spray bottle and the simple squirt bottle with a tapered tip that would allow users to control how much liquid is placed under the belt. These designs typically require the user to unscrew and loosen the belt in the back of the machine, which can be an issue for all of those procrastinators out there. This application method may not be the easiest, but it’s the most effective from what we have seen. There is another method that uses a similar squeezable bottle with the addition of a long hose on the tip. This design allows users to get up under the belt without the need of loosening it, but it may be difficult to see just how much is being used, and where on the belt. The last method that we considered was the wand design. These designs work just the way you would use a butter knife to spread butter on bread. The downside to these models is that you cannot control or see how much of the fluid is actually on the base. But, it does allow users to apply a layer of liquid without lifting up the belt.
Product Purity
If it is something that you are using in your home, you want to make sure that it is made from clean and pure ingredients.
The purity of the formula is also going to dictate what types of machines it is going to be compatible with. Most machines have a recommendation of the type of liquid that should be used on their belts. If you purchased your machine used at a yard sale, you more than likely do not have the owner's manual to find out this information. If that’s the case, your best bet is to use a formula that is made from 100 percent silicone, because this formula is the most versatile. With that being said, we made sure that we selected products that used a silicone formula that would be compatible with most of the machines out there- young or old. Another thing that we looked at in regards to the formula was to make sure that it was considered odor-free and non-toxic. If you are using this product in your home with little ones or pets, you want to make sure that you select something that is going to be safe.
Effectiveness
At the end of the day, you want to know that you are using a product that is actually going to work.
One of the ways that we determined if a product was effective was simply by checking out what the formula was made from, as well as the container that is used to administer it to your belt. Of course, with any product such as this, the proof is always in the pudding. That’s why we made sure to take a look at what past users had to say about how these products performed. To ensure that a product that we selected was effective, we only picked brands that had a long line of past customers that claimed that each product not only helped ease the motion of their belt, but ones that also helped eliminate squeaking. A squeaky belt may seem like a superficial problem, but it is actually indicative of debris being trapped under the belt and causing friction. Continued friction over time is actually making your belt weaker, and can ultimately lead the belt to break over a long enough timeline- which is not an easy fix.
Size
The size of the bottle is going to tell you just how long it is going to last.
Most machines are able to travel hundreds of miles before they need to be greased up, so it’s something that you aren't going to use all that frequently. The average size of bottles that we found ran about 4 ounces, with some companies offering smaller 1 ounce options, and some offer larger 8 ounce designs. We typically stuck to the 4 ounce model because it offers home users the best value. While some runner may use their machines all year, other like to give their machines a break once the trails begin to thaw and the sun comes out in the springtime. This means that you aren’t going to be racking up those miles on the machine, so you won’t need to oil it as often. From what we found on most 4 ounce bottles is that they will likely last users about a year- but that’s only if they use their unit every single day out of the year.
Value
We understand that these machines don’t run cheap, so it may be hard to splurge on extra maintenance products.
However, if you spend just a little extra money now, it will likely save you boat loads of money in the future buying replacement belts or even replacing your entire machine. The belt is the one thing that really takes a beating, so it is important that you take extra good care of it. The good news here is that these products typically come with a very affordable price tag. Some options are even so affordable that they are going to cost you less than what you spent on your morning cup of coffee. The more expensive options are also quite affordable, and will typically save users a lot of time with their innovative bottle designs, and will last users at least a year.
Top 10 Picks
1. Impresa Products
We found that this product is the formula that most users turn to when it is time for maintenance because it is made from a natural formula that is going to work on almost all types of machines, and it is incredibly easy and safe to use, and because of this it lands on our list as our favorite pick.
Read moreApplication
The bottle of this design is short and narrow, and it has a squeezable tip. To apply, simply unscrew the cap until it is open, and then apply it under your belt in a zigzag pattern. Once you are done, turn it until it is completely closed and ready to be used for another application in the future.
Product purity
What users like more about this product is that it is made from 100 percent silicone. What this means for you is that it is going to work on just about any belt, whether it be a used model that you picked up at a yard sale or a sparkling new top of the line design. Plus, this formula has no odor, so you won’t have to worry about that unpleasant chemical smell filling your home gym.
Effectiveness
From what we have read from past users, this formula is great at not only keeping their belt healthy, but it also helps reduce any noise that you have noticed your machine making over time.
Size
Users will receive one plastic squeeze bottle that provides 4 ounces of their silicon formula. Considering how little users will need to use with one application, this bottle will last quite some time.
Value
The cost of this little bottle is just slightly more than other similar options out there on the market. However, considering the positive feedback and the purity of this formula, we feel that it is well worth the added cost.
Overall
If you are in the market for something that is going to work incredibly well on most models and belts with an easy application and a pure silicon formula, this option from Impresa Products is going to be one of your better options.
2. Spot On
This option is quite similar to that of Impresa Products. It comes in a squeeze bottle that is just a tad wider than our top pick, which is why it was bumped slightly to our number 2 position. It offers a versatile formula that works on most belts, and it is incredibly easy to use.
Read moreApplication
To use this product, simply loosen your belt at the back of the device. The cap twists off to allow users to control just how much of the product can be applied to your belt. Lift the belt up and apply the formula in a line pattern, and then tighten the cap for your next use.
Product purity
If you aren’t quite sure what type of formula you need to apply to your machine, this is going to be a good option. It is made from 100 percent silicone which means it is going to be safe for most machines. Users like that this formula also doesn’t have a smell.
Effectiveness
According to previous users, this product is incredibly effective. Just a little bit seems to go a long way, and it not only makes the belt glide easier, but it also reduces noise and friction that can slow down your workouts.
Size
Users will receive a short and stout plastic bottle that holds about 4 ounces of their silicone formula. According to the product description, this bottle should last users about a year.
Value
The cost of this bottle is just slightly more expensive than some of the other options out there on the market. However, we liked that it comes with a money back guarantee if you find that it isn’t performing as you expected it to.
Overall
For those in the market for something that is going to be incredibly effective and easy to use, this is going to be one of your better options. Plus, it comes with a money back guarantee, which gives you little reason not to give this option a shot.
3. GSM Brands
What we liked most about this option from GSM Brands is that it is made from a simple and versatile formula, and it comes in at a really affordable price. Plus, users can elect to save a little bit of money by purchasing a smaller bottle.
Read moreApplication
What we liked most about this option is that it comes in a very small and narrow bottle that is going to make reaching up and under the belt a lot easier and less awkward. To apply, simply screw off the top and apply it to under the belt. Be careful, however, because the wider nozzle and liquid formula leave the bottle quite quickly.
Product purity
If you aren’t quite sure what formula to use on your belt because you threw away your user manual, this is going to be one of your better options. Made from 100 percent silicon, it is made for most styles of belts, and users like that it is considered to be non-toxic and odorless.
Effectiveness
Past users have had a lot of good things to say about not only how easy this bottle is to use on their machine, but how well that it works. Many users that had annoying squeaky belts found that this formula works like a charm.
Size
Users can elect to select bottle sizes that range from 1 ounce or 4 ounces. The 1-ounce bottle is perfect for those that want to give this formula a try without spending the higher price point on a 4-ounce bottle that is designed to last up to a year.
Value
What we liked most about this option is that it comes in at a price that makes it one of the most affordable options out there on the market. Considering that it is a 100 percent silicon, we feel that this is a excellent value.
Overall
If you are looking for something that is made from 100 percent silicon but is offered at a very affordable price point and it just as easy to use as some of the more expensive options, this formula from GSM Brands is an excellent choice.
4. Noosa Life
Getting up and under your belt can prove to be a little difficult, and users often need to loosen their belt from the back and employ the use of a flashlight for proper distribution. This option from Noosa Life has a long straw applicator that makes applying it under your belt much easier than many of the other options out there.
Read moreApplication
This product gets an A+ in the application department. To use, you will simply need to place the straw under your belt, and then squeeze the bottle to distribute the appropriate amount under your belt. The best part about this option is that you will not need to loosen your belt in order to use it.
Product purity
For those that are unsure of what type of formula that they need for their belt, this is going to be one of your better choices. It is made from 100 percent silicone, which makes it perfect for home use and commercial grade machines. Plus, it has no odor or propellants.
Effectiveness
Users found that this formula helped a great deal in mitigating annoying squeaking that sometimes happens over time. Also, because it is so easy to use, runners were more likely to use this product on a regular basis because it allowed them to apply it without unscrewing the back belt.
Size
One bottle holds about 4 ounces of formula, which is pretty standard to these types of products. According to the brand product description, this bottle will last users up to 4 applications.
Value
The cost of this option is just slightly more than many of the average priced options out there on the market, but we feel that this higher price tag is well worth it considering how easy it is to apply to your machine.
Overall
If you know you aren’t someone that is going to take the time to loosen your belt to apply other options, this is going to be a perfect choice for you because it allows you to apply it under your belt without taking the time to loosen the bolts in the back of the machine.
5. Lube-n-Walk
This option from Lube-n-Walk is another great design that makes it incredibly easy to reach up under that tight space on the underside of your belt. Instead of using a bottle, this option uses a wand that will be able to reach the full length of your belt with ease.
Read moreApplication
As we mentioned earlier, this is one of the easier options on the market to use. To apply it under your belt, simply take the wand out of its packaging and place a modest amount of fluid to the base. One applied, run it along the underside of your belt.
Product purity
This formula is made from silicone which is going to make it perfect for many different types of machines. The downside of this option is that we found no indication of whether or not it is considered to be 100 percent silicone or whether it has a strong odor.
Effectiveness
One thing that we did immediately notice is that there are a lot of users that found that this unit works like a charm. Due to the fact that it uses a long arm to get up under the belt, you can ensure that it spreads the silicone formula evenly across the belt.
Size
The size of this wand isn’t explicitly listed on the product description, but past users found that it is wide enough to use on their machine that has a 20-inch belt, and it is able to reach from end to end. The bottle of solution didn't mention the amount, but from what we can tell the bottle looks rather small.
Value
Considering how easy this unit is to use, we feel that it is listed at a great value. However, compared to other options that we put on our list, it has a price tag that is quite larger than even some of the higher end options.
Overall
If you are looking for something that is going to be incredibly easy and fast to use, this is going to be an excellent option if you are willing to pay the higher price tag.
6. LifeSpan Fitness
The thing that makes this design different is that it comes in a spray bottle rather than a squirt bottle. This means that you will technically be able to create a more even layer of formula under your belt and you won’t run the risk of accidentally using too much.
Read moreApplication
Due to the fact that you will need to spray it under the belt, it is almost a certainty that you will need to loosen up the belt along the back. Once it is loosened, simply spray an even layer of this solution on the underside of the belt, and you will be ready to go.
Product purity
According to the product description, this solution is made up of 100 percent silicone. What this is going to mean for you is that it is going to work on pretty much any type of belt. If you don’t know what type of solution your machine requires, this option is going to be one of your best bets.
Effectiveness
From what we have read from previous users, this bottle works really great at keeping your belt moist and it also serves to mitigate squeaking. Due to the fact that it comes in a spray bottle, it means that you are going to be able to generate a more even layer to the bottom of your belt.
Size
One bottle holds about 4 ounces of solution. According to some past users, they feel that one bottle is going to last them well over 1 year.
Value
The cost of this option is one of the more expensive options out there on the market, but only slightly. Considering that it is made to last over 1 year, we feel that this is an excellent value.
Overall
If you are in the market for something that is going to be easy to administer a full and even coat on the base of your machine, this potent formula that comes in an easy to use spray bottle is going to be an excellent choice if you are willing to pay the slightly higher price point.
7. Horizon Fitness
If you are a stickler for exact measurements, this option from Horizon Fitness is going to be perfect for you. Each bottle is measured to give you just enough solution for one application. This means that there is going to be no more guesswork as to how much solution you need to place on the base of your belt.
Read moreApplication
Each bottle provides users just enough solution that you will need to properly oil the base of your belt. Due to the fact that it comes in a squeeze bottle, it means that you are going to need to loosen your belt slightly in order to access the underside. Once you have lifted your belt, squeeze the liquid to the underside of the base.
Product purity
The product description states that this formula is made from silicone, which means that it is going to be a great pairing for most brands of machines, and is a surefire pairing for your Horizon equipment. We didn’t find any indication in the description or customer comments about whether or not the formula has a strong odor.
Effectiveness
From what we have read, most users find that this solution is very effective at not only greasing up the underside for a smoother run, but is also help get rid of annoying noises and squeaks.
Size
Users will receive 3 bottles in their kit, and each bottle holds about 50 mL of fluid, which translates to about 1.6 ounces per bottle. Each bottle is measured to offer the exact amount that you will need to use per application. This means that one pack offers users 3 applications.
Value
The downside to this option is that it comes in at a price tag that almost doubles that of some of the more affordable products out there on the market. However, if you want to be sure that you are using the exact right amount for every application, it is going to be well worth the padded price tag.
Overall
If you are in the market for something that is going to be easy to use and has a long line of users that feel that it is incredibly effective at protecting the life of their belt, we feel that Horizon Fitness is the way to go.
8. Nothing But
As the name suggests, this is a pretty straight forward formula. Users like it because the formula is a little bit thicker and has a higher viscosity than most that makes it easier to work with. While it comes with a tube for application, many users feel that the tube is very difficult to use.
Read moreApplication
What we liked most about this option is that you won’t have to go to the trouble of loosening your belt in the back of the machine in order to oil the underside. This product comes with a long 10-inch straw, but users are not quite sure how the straw attaches to the bottle. We suggest you loosen the back of your belt, and then apply this liquid by squeezing the bottle onto the underside of the belt.
Product purity
Unlike many other options out there on the market, this option is quite a bit thicker and more viscous which makes it slicker. It is composed of 100 percent silicone that is safe and gentle enough for skin contact.
Effectiveness
Users feel that because this product is a little thicker than most, and it means that it is going to stay present on the underside of your belt for more miles. This means that is is going to last you quite a bit longer in between applications.
Size
What we liked most about this option is that it comes in a pack of 4 bottles, and each bottle offers 4 ounces of their solution. With a total of 8 ounces of solution, this pack is going to last you up to 2 years.
Value
From what we gathered, this is one of the best values we have found out there on the market. The application is a little less than ideal, but this pack is something that is going to last you twice as long as some of the other 4 ounce options while costing users the same amount.
Overall
If you are in the market for something that is going to last quite a long while in between applications and comes in at an affordable price tag- this is it. Just keep in mind that applying it to your belt is going to be a little more difficult than most.
9. Essential Values
What we liked about this options from Essential Values is that it is an incredibly affordable options that takes the guesswork out of trying to decide how much you should use at the base of your belt. Application is a little more tricky than most, but will be worth it if you are looking to save a few bucks.
Read moreApplication
To apply this to the underside of your belt, you are going to need to be able to get up under it. Simply loosen the screws on the back of the unit to gain access to the underside. Once there, apply the entirety of one bottle to the base, and then tighten the screws back. Walking on the base should be sufficient to spread the solution to the entirety of the belt.
Product purity
The brand description states that this solution is perfect for almost all machines, and it is composed of 100 percent silicone. It is an incredibly safe formula that is considered to be odorless as well as non-toxic.
Effectiveness
From what we read for previous reviews, this product gets the job done. There may be issues in the design of the bottle, but the quality of the formula is great at oiling the belt for easier runs as well as reduce noise.
Size
One pack comes with three bottles that hold 1 ounce. Each bottle is the equivalent to one application, so that means that one pack will provide users with three applications, which is just slightly less than their 4-ounce counterparts.
Value
The cost of this pack is slightly less than 4-ounce bottles out there on the market, but it also provides users with one less application than many of the other options out there on the market which is something that you may want to keep in mind.
Overall
If you are looking for a product that takes the guesswork out of how much solution you need to place on the base of your machine, this is going to be one of you better options that is offered at a great value.
10. UniSport
This option from UniSport is great because it offers users a premium formula that is going to really help the longevity of your machine, and it comes in at a very affordable price point that is worth checking out.
Read moreApplication
To use this product on your machine, you are going to need to loosen up the belt to gain access to the underside. Once it is loose, simply squeeze a small amount from the bottle on to the base of the unit and you are ready to go.
Product purity
According to the package description, this formula is made from 100 percent premium silicone that is perfect for almost any machine. Plus, it is listed to be odorless and non-toxic.
Effectiveness
From what we have found, many users feel that this formula works great at oiling surfaces and reducing noise. The only downside is that some find that it is a little bit difficult to apply.
Size
With the purchase, users will receive one bottle that holds 4 ounces. One bottle should allow for about 4 application, which will likely last you just over a year.
Value
The cost of this unit runs pretty par for the course. It isn’t the most expensive option out there on the market, but it isn’t the least expensive as well.
Overall
If you are in the market for something that is safe, simple, and affordable, this option from UniSport is worth a look.
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