Which Is the Best Lubricant for a Treadmill Belt Silicone or Teflon

Photo Caption Consult your owner's manual for the recommended belt lubricant.Photo Credit Monkey Business Images Ltd/Valueline/Getty ImagesLubricating your treadmill walking belt regularly helps prevent wear and tear to the belt from excessive friction. Most treadmill Teflon Coating manufacturers recommend lubricating the belt once every six to 12 months, depending on how often you use your machine. Using the wrong type of lubricant can damage your walking belt more than protect it.
SiliconeSilicone is a synthetic substance that is found in many products. Lubrication is just one of many uses for silicone. Most fitness equipment manufacturers recommend using 100 percent silicone to lubricate the walking belt on a treadmill. Silicone is available in a spray and a liquid.
TeflonTeflon is a brand name and registered trademark of the DuPont company. It is a silicone-based lubricant. All Dupont lubricants contain the Teflon fluoropolymer,  which, according to the DuPont website, provides extra protection against high temperatures, water and excessive friction.
ConsiderationsMany treadmill manufacturers only Ceramic Coating recommend 100 percent silicone lubricants. This would mean Teflon is not appropriate, though DuPont lists treadmills as a valid application for Teflon. However, it does not specify lubricating treadmill belts. Rather, DuPont may be referring to lubricating other parts of the treadmill, such as the nuts and bolts. Horizon Fitness recommends lubricating the air shocks with a Teflon-based spray.