For a device that is used by people for very long periods, escalators can certainly gather enough grime and dirt than most other appliances and machines. Unlike other devices, they are being stepped on by people. Escalator cleaning then becomes a special task.
On a moderately occupied building, escalators still service thousands of people coming from different places and carrying with them dirt and grime from all over. After long hours of daily operations, the accumulated dirt and grime become compacted onto the machine itself.
Cleaning challenges
Cleaning escalators presents several considerations. One such factor would be that these are devices that can be cleaned better when not in use. Offices and department stores have different cleaning schedules due to the differences in the length of time in their use.
Escalators, unlike regular floors or countertops, are not flat surfaces but have ridges and special formations on their steps. The grooves on these areas would need special cleaning techniques and the use of special cleaning devices for a thorough work.
These days, establishments with escalators have devised ways and means in cleaning these machines. The main procedure is having first a cleaning plan.
Cleaning
For maintenance administrators and personnel, having a plan makes the cleaning process a feasible task. Everyone would be able to see the factors to be considered. The number one would be on how to keep cleaning costs down while getting the most efficient type of cleaning possible.
Other factors would include on timing the cleaning work, decisions on whether or not dismantling of the machine parts would speed up the cleaning process. The plan can also show the opposite end results (delays, etc.).
The plan could help in deciding the type of cleaning, whether it is better to use chemicals and cleaning machines. It will also show whether the expenses that will be incurred in using them on escalator cleaning is justifiable or not.
Machine-aided methods
At present, there are now specialized machines that will do the cleaning. Roughly, the type of cleaning is the dry type and the wet method. The cleaning machine is operated while the elevator is running to create the agitation needed to remove the impacted dirt.
The ‘wet method’ involves a small amount of cleaning solution applied onto the brush used in cleaning to help loosen the grime. The escalator is also made to run to help in the needed agitation process.
Liquid solutions and brushes
This type would be using a solution that will not leave a film on the steps or is a quick-drying type. The precaution is needed to avoid having the solution getting into the insides of the machine (grease pit) and cause potential damage.
Both of these types use a nylon brush in sweeping the embedded dirt off and out of the grooves for easier disposal. For extreme cases, some maintenance men use the Tynex brush for a more scrupulous escalator cleaning. (Tynex are nylon covered with carburundum, an abrasive material.) Others use them sparingly to avoid damaging the steps.