Escalator Cleaning is not easy. It comes
with a lot of challenges. It needs special cleaning products and solutions for
this particular type of machine. The grooves in the tread section are
particularly magnet dirt, which can be difficult to remove. For those buildings
that have different widths of escalators, they also present more cleaning
concerns.
Develop a Plan
for Cleaning
The best way to approach Escalator Cleaning is to have a plan of attack. You need to create a cleaning schedule
for the escalator. The ideal time to clean the escalator is when the facility
is open round the clock is during the slowest traffic time. If not, you can
schedule a cleaning operation when the building is closed.
The cleaning of the escalator can be done
by the in-house team of your cleaning staff or hire another cleaning company.
Both options are favorable as long as they use the right equipment and
technique.
Set a Schedule of
Frequency
The ideal cleaning cycle of an escalator
is once or twice every month. If your escalator is positioned in a high-traffic
location, then 1 to 2 times a week is ideal. Make sure to read the instructions
from the manufacturers to make it easier to set a cleaning schedule.
Tricks for Proper
Escalator Cleaning
• Check first how much cleaning your
escalator needs. If it is the first time that it will get some cleaning and a
lot of dirt has been accumulated, the process may take more than five hours.
•
When using an
agitating machine, the cleaning process usually takes about a couple of hours
to get done.
• For cleaning the escalator, there are two
kinds of brushes used; the tynex brush for aggressive cleaning, and the nylon
brush for mild, regular cleaning.
• Static-brush machines need four to eight
hours to finish the cleaning. Tynex brushes are made of abrasive materials, so
use it only occasionally to prevent wear on the escalator.
Use the Right
Cleaning Solutions and Equipment
The process of cleaning required depends
on the escalator itself. Some manufacturers suggest tearing down of the
escalator, then bring it outside the building in order to wash it using
high-pressure. However, this method is time-consuming, messy, and expensive.
Another escalator cleaning technique is
the use of a dry cleaning method. In this process, the cleaning machine with a
small amount of solution is placed on the running escalator. This causes
agitation, which helps clear out the dirt particularly in the tread part. The
traditional brooms and brushes cannot do this kind of job properly. While
cleaning, moisture should not penetrate the grease pit area, as this can damage
the system especially if lubrication is lost.
Make sure to use a quick-drying metal
cleaning solution. While you can use an all-purpose cleaning solution, read the
manufacturer’s instructions first for safety purposes; when using chemicals,
wait for it to dry completely before running the cleaning machine for the
escalator. Otherwise, the cleaning solution may leave a film and stain on the
escalator.
