Challenges of Escalator Cleaning

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.