Can You Keep a Treadmill in the Garage? Proper Storage Guidelines

There’s nothing more convenient than having a treadmill in your home to complete your gym. Although we all sometimes struggle to get up and head to the gym, moseying over to a treadmill inside your house is much easier. But where should you store your treadmill? Is the garage a good option? 

You can keep a treadmill in the garage as long as you follow the proper storage guidelines. Keep your treadmill away from water, dust, and dirt. Use a cover to protect the treadmill from cold weather and debris. 

By following the correct storage guidelines, you’ll be able to prolong the lifetime of your treadmill. Let’s take a closer look at those guidelines so that you can stay fit from the comfort of your home!

Why You Might Want to Keep Your Treadmill in the Garage 

Treadmill home workout

While it’s convenient to store your treadmill inside the home, storing it in the garage also overs many benefits. Many people dislike the noise that treadmills make inside the house, and cleaning your sweat off the floors may also pose a challenge. If you have small children, you should consider moving the treadmill to the garage for their safety. 

Here are some benefits of storing a treadmill in the garage: 

Less Safety Risk

Having a treadmill inside your house can be a safety risk for small children and pets. Although you can try to keep the treadmill off-limits, there’s no stopping the inquisitiveness of small children. Pets may also damage the treadmill or even start it by mistake. Furthermore, the treadmill’s wires can be a tripping hazard, especially if the treadmill is in a frequently used room. 

However, there’s still a safety risk of having a treadmill inside your home, even if you don’t have kids or pets. If the treadmill is placed in a crowded room or a corner, there’s more risk of falling on hard, sharp objects. Storing it in the garage gives you more space during your workouts. 

Less Noise 

Many of the latest treadmills have noiseless motors, but older treadmills can be quite noisy. Even with noiseless treadmills, you’ll still make a lot of noise during your workouts. If you live alone, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you have family or housemates living with you, the constant noise can be quite irritating. 

On the other hand, with your treadmill in the garage, you won’t have to worry about disrupting someone’s sleep, and you’ll focus much better on your workout. 

You Protect Your Floors  

Running on a treadmill is an intense workout, and you’ll probably be sweating quite a bit. The sweat may damage your floors over time, especially if you have wooden flooring. With the treadmill in the garage, you won’t have to worry about this. 

However, it would help if you still kept a mat under the treadmill to prevent the sweat from damaging the garage floor or becoming a safety hazard. 

You’ll Save Space 

Treadmills can take up a lot of space that could be used more effectively. Storing a treadmill in the garage is a great way to save space and avoid congestion inside the house. 

Is It Safe to Keep a Treadmill in the Garage?

It’s safe to keep a treadmill in the garage, but you’ll have to protect it against extreme temperatures, dust, and other elements. Treadmills can get damaged if exposed to temperatures that are too high or low, and dust may gradually damage the motor and treadmill belt.

To avoid damaging your treadmill, you’ll need to take special care when storing it in the garage. 

Treadmill manufacturers recommend keeping the treadmill in a cool, dry place and away from water, dust, or extreme temperatures. There’s no harm in keeping a treadmill in the garage, as long as you adhere to these conditions: 

The Garage Is Properly Insulated 

Extreme temperatures can damage certain parts of the treadmill. If the treadmill overheats, it could damage the motor and soften the rubber belt. Similarly, extreme cold temperatures can cause damage to the LCD, motor, or rubber belt. 

As long as your garage is properly insulated, you won’t have to worry about extreme temperatures damaging your treadmill. 

The Garage Is Clean 

While your garage doesn’t have to be sparkling clean, it shouldn’t be too filled with dust either. Dust can cause wear and tear on the treadmill, and dirt can block the motor. To avoid this, clean your garage regularly and seal the entrances to prevent dirt outside from entering. 

As long as you keep the garage properly insulated and reasonably clean, you won’t have to worry about your treadmill. 

How to Properly Store Your Treadmill

Treadmill closeup

Properly storing your treadmill can keep it in great condition for longer. Regardless of whether you prefer to store your treadmill inside the house or in the garage, there are conditions that are optimal for maintaining a treadmill. 

Here are some tips on how to properly store a treadmill: 

Keep the Treadmill in a Dry Place 

Water can damage the treadmill’s motor, cause short circuits, or affect the electrical components. If your treadmill gets damaged with water due to user negligence, your warranty won’t be of much help. Always store the treadmill away from wet or damp areas. 

Store Your Treadmill in a Warm Place 

Freezing temperatures can damage your treadmill’s motor or other components. Keep the treadmill in a warm place to extend its lifetime. If you’re going to store the treadmill in the garage, make sure the garage is insulated. 

Clean the Treadmill Before Storing It

Dust and dirt can cause wear and tear on your treadmill. Always clear away any dust before storing it. If you’re not going to use the treadmill regularly, set a schedule to clean it properly. 

Test Your Treadmill Regularly 

Storing your treadmill for long periods can have a negative effect on the motor. Always check the treadmill regularly to ensure the motor is in good condition. Try to leave the treadmill on for a few minutes every now and then to keep it in good condition. 

 Use a Treadmill Cover 

Use a treadmill cover to protect the treadmill from dust and dirt. A good treadmill cover will also insulate the treadmill and keep it warm on freezing days. You can also wrap the treadmill with a plastic sheet if you’re not going to use it for a while. 

Here are some of the top treadmill covers available online: 

  1. RHDFKOD Treadmill Protective Cover (on Amazon): This treadmill cover can be zipped closed and is perfect for protecting the treadmill against dust, insects, and kids. 
  2. RIYIFER Protective Cover for Treadmill (on Amazon): This is the ideal treadmill cover for machines of all sizes. It’s ideal for protecting against scratches and damage from extreme weather. 
  3. Mitef Folding Treadmill Covers (on Amazon): With high-density material and a universal fit, this treadmill cover is a great option for protecting your treadmill indoors. 
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