Even if you had never heard of Peloton pre-pandemic, there’s little chance that you don’t currently know of — or own — a piece of exercise equipment from the oh-so-vogue fitness brand. Peloton’s high-tech exercise equipment has revolutionized at-home workouts and set the bar high for its competitors — and their product’s price tags reflect that.
If you’ve invested in one of these machines— which we think are among the best treadmills, bikes, and rowers we’ve tested — chances are you don’t want to wing it when learning how to clean them. Using the right materials and cleaners will not only freshen up your equipment post-cardio but will also keep things running smoothly to prolong the life of your investment. And the best part — it’s not expensive, fancy, or time-consuming. Let’s get into how to clean a Peloton Bike, Tread, or Rower.
How to Clean the Peloton Bike
Anyone who’s taken a ride with an infamous Peloton instructor is privy to the fact that you’re going to get sweaty — and I mean, real sweaty.
Whether you love it, hate it, or love to hate it, the popularity of these rides speaks for itself. BarBend expert reviewer Amanda Capritto explains that for some individuals, this style of training “can make it something to look forward to (and make time seem like it’s flying by).” The Peloton community resoundingly agrees.
Wiping down your handlebars and seat after such an experience is a no-brainer, but what about other components that might need cleaning on a less-frequent schedule? We’re here to teach you how to clean home gym equipment and the recommended frequency of your cleans.
Daily Maintenance
Your post-workout cleaning should include a thorough wipe-down of any high-touch area on your bike. (Think handlebars, bike seat, and frame.)
You don’t need a special cleaner — in fact, Peloton’s website suggests using traditional baby wipes. (1) If baby wipes seem peculiar, disinfectant wipes or a soft cloth with your preferred spray cleaner or mild soapy water will do the trick.
Steer clear of harsh cleaning products like bleach, and avoid using any abrasive materials on your Peloton equipment — whether it’s the Bike, Tread, or Row.
For your touchscreen, use a microfiber towel to wipe fingerprints and smudges. If it’s extra-icky, you can use a screen-approved wipe followed by the microfiber towel. Avoid spraying anything directly onto the LCD screen, which you should definitely turn off before cleaning it.
Bimonthly Maintenance
A bi-monthly cleaning requires a little more effort than your post-workout wipe down, but let’s be honest, it’s probably necessary. Once you’ve turned the power off and unplugged the power cord, you can get to work on your deep clean.
Start by dry dusting or vacuuming to pick up any dirt or debris on and around your Peloton Bike. If you use a mat under your fitness equipment, now is a good time to wipe it down (if you don’t after every workout).
Using wipes or a soft cloth with spray or soapy water, hit all the high-touch areas, including the pedals, and then look for components that may not get any cleaning love when you’re doing a quick clean. (Think undersides and crevices that may have developed buildup.)
Peloton also recommends you tighten your seat, pedals, and cleats at least once a month, so doing your deep clean and tightening on the same schedule may be helpful and efficient with your time. And don’t forget to update that software.
[Related: Best Peloton Alternatives]
Annual Maintenance
As with any piece of home gym equipment, maintenance is necessary to keep it in good working condition and to keep your investment (and you) safe.
Some Peloton members opt to leave the maintenance tasks up to the professionals and place a service call to a certified technician. But if you’re up for some DIY maintenance, here are a few tasks that should be performed on at least an annual basis.
- Check lubrication on moving parts (pedals, crank arms, flywheels, belt drive)
- Tighten bolts, screws, and pedals
- Safety checks
- Brake and resistance system check
How to Clean the Peloton Tread
When cleaning your Peloton Tread, before turning the power off and unplugging the power cord, it’s recommended to incline it to 2% or higher to make cleaning underneath easier. You’ll use similar, mild cleaners to protect the components as mentioned above.
Daily Maintenance
The Peloton community knows that taking a class on the Peloton app can turn you into a Sweaty Betty (or Sweaty Freddy), so knowing how to clean a treadmill after every cardio session is a must.
Use a damp cloth with mild soapy water or a disinfectant wipe (without bleach) to wipe down the handles, frame, walking belt, and other surfaces that get touched frequently or receive heavy doses of sweat.
Be sure not to use water in excess on any piece of fitness equipment, as this will likely void your warranty.
To clean the touchscreen, a microfiber cloth should do the job, but wipes approved for LCD screens can also be used. Once again, never spray the cleaning solution directly on your screen.
Bimonthly Maintenance
Maintenance should be performed regularly due to the nature of all the moving treadmill parts. Performing a deeper clean with vacuuming, cleaning your treadmill mat, and getting in hard-to-reach places are all a good idea to complete on a bimonthly schedule.
In addition to cleaning, check the belt alignment, look for wear and tear, and check your belt’s lubrication.
Annual Maintenance
If everything is in working order with your Peloton Tread and you’ve stayed on top of your maintenance, you may not need to have a professional technician come out for a yearly inspection.
If you’re planning to do your annual maintenance on your own, here are some items to check out.
- Proper belt alignment
- Belt wear and tear
- Tightening of bolts and screws
- Proper belt tension
- Cords, electrical wires, and power cord
How to Clean the Peloton Row
Peloton knew fitness enthusiasts would love a workout combining elements of cardio, full-body muscle engagement, and resistance — thus, the Peloton Row was born. Since the product is relatively newer on the scene, time will tell if it’ll start popping up on lists of the best rowing machines.
Before cleaning, turn the power off and unplug the machine. Now, let’s see what maintenance entails for this piece of fitness equipment.
Daily Maintenance
Cleaning your machine after a rowing class looks a lot like it does with other Peloton products — use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning solution or mild soapy water to wipe down the handles and the seat. Because of the machine’s structure, there’s not much to it.
For your Row touchscreen, don’t spray anything directly on the screen, use flatscreen-approved cleaners, and finish with a microfiber cloth.
Bimonthly Maintenance
Inspect all bolts and screws on the rower, including those on the frame, seat, and handlebar. Vibration and regular use can cause bolts and screws to loosen over time. Giving them a check every couple of weeks will ensure a smooth operation.
Check the seat rollers for any dirt or debris. Clean them with a cloth and ensure they move smoothly along the rail. If your seat seems a little squeaky, there’s a good chance the rail and seat need a good cleaning. (If this is the case, see below.)
[Related: Best Rowing Apps]
Annual Maintenance
Annual maintenance should include a deep clean of all the components, looking for wear and tear, and replacing any malfunctioning parts.
A deeper clean of the Peloton Row is where things might get a little hairy, as you’ll need to remove the seat to clean the rails.
You may want to refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions, but take note that to clean the rails and remove the seat, you’ll need an Allen wrench, which should come with your Peloton toolkit.
After the seat and rail are removed, you can use a cotton ball or towel along the length of the rail to remove any debris. Peloton’s website advises cleaning all the wheels thoroughly by using a damp cloth. Do not use cleaning solutions, as they may cause damage.
Peloton Cleaning Tools
If you’re wondering if you have the right (or the wrong) tools at your disposal for a Peloton deep clean, take a look at the chart below.
| NECESSARY TOOLS | RECOMMENDED | WHAT TO AVOID |
| Cloth | Microfiber | Scratchy, abrasive materials |
| Electronic screen cleaner | Any screen-approved cleaner | Ammonia, bleach |
| Damp cloth w/ soap | Mild dish detergent | Harsh, heavy soaps |
| Wipes | Baby wipes | Harsh chemicals like bleach & ammonia |
| Lubricant | 100% silicone lubricant | Petroleum-based lubricants like WD-40 |
Why is Peloton Maintenance Important?
Proper maintenance on your Peloton equipment could mean you using it for the next year or for years to come. It could mean a noisy, rickety workout or a quiet, smooth experience.
Peloton has put a lot of work into making their products top-quality, and the only way they remain in prime condition is with regular cleaning and maintenance. Even with the best budget exercise equipment, proper care is key for its operation and longevity.
Proper care and maintenance are also required to maintain Peloton’s warranty, so keep up with the equipment’s care just like we suspect you’re keeping up with your workouts.
Final Word
Whether you’re cycling, running, or rowing, cleaning your Peloton equipment provides many benefits and can be accomplished with everyday household items like disinfectant wipes, microfiber cloths, mild soaps, or even baby wipes (this one’s for you, new Moms).
Deeper cleans and maintenance take a little more time but need to be completed less often. Being diligent with the care of your Peloton does more than create a hygienic workout — it prolongs the lifespan, provides optimal performance, prevents injuries, enhances your experience, and helps ensure your warranty stays valid.
FAQs: How to Clean a Peloton Bike, Tread, or Row
Do I need to oil my Peloton Tread?
Yes, lubricating your Peloton Tread is an essential part of its maintenance routine to help reduce friction between the walking belt and the treadmill deck. It’s recommended to apply a silicone-based lubricant every three to six months (or more depending on how often you use your Tread). If you’re wondering how to lubricate a treadmill, we’ve got you covered.
What is the best lubricant for Peloton?
Peloton recommends using 100-percent silicone oil to lubricate the treadmill deck because it’s safe for the Tread components, it’s effective in reducing friction, and it lasts longer than other lubricants. Peloton, LifeSpan, Proform, and Spot On are all popular brands for 100-percent silicone lubricant.
Can I use Clorox wipes on Peloton?
Clorox wipes can only be used if they don’t contain bleach. Clorox wipes and similar disinfectant wipes — without bleach — can be safe to use on some components of your Peloton equipment, but shouldn’t be used on sensitive components like electronic components, sensors, and the touchscreen.
References
- Zepeda, Dana. (2020, June 30). How to Clean Your Peloton Bike, Tread, & Row In Just a Few Simple Steps. https://www.onepeloton.com/blog/how-to-clean-your-peloton/
