Across Australia, an escalator is one of the things that you will see when entering a commercial building like shopping malls, hospitals, airports and office buildings. And seeing a poorly maintained escalator will automatically create a negative impression of the facility.

If you are a property owner or a property manager, overseeing escalator cleaning and maintenance is vital. Although most of the time, it’s easy to overlook such a task because an escalator is only considered a transit and people would just come and go. However, there are essential benefits in prioritising escalator cleaning. To get this job done right, the use of specialised escalator cleaning tools and equipment is necessary.

How Often Are Escalators Cleaned?

One reason why escalator cleaning is constantly overlooked is because of its rigorous cleaning process. However, as COVID-19 wreaked havoc across the globe, facility and property cleaning services have been scrutinised.

With the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 virus, including its newest variant, Omicron, escalators should be cleaned regularly. This equipment can also easily turn out to be dust and bacteria haven if they are neglected.

Escalator cleaning plays a vital role in preventing the spread not only of the COVID-19 virus but also other highly infectious pathogens. Moreover, if escalators are not properly cleaned, they can be a venue for injuries and accidents. Mechanical breakdown, entrapment and faulty parts are some reasons why escalators require regular cleaning.

The frequency of escalator cleaning depends on the foot traffic it gets. Small-traffic escalators can get a weekly cleaning, while those with medium traffic can get a twice or thrice cleaning procedure. If an escalator is in a high-traffic area and given the threats of COVID-19, daily cleaning may be necessary.

How Long Does It Take To Clean An Escalator?

When it comes to escalator cleaning, there are challenges that you have to consider, including methods of cleaning, cost, the timing of cleaning and the structure of the equipment itself.

The escalator cleaning procedure is difficult because escalators are not flat surfaces like floors and countertops. The grooves in the tread area also easily acquire dirt and grime, which are hard to remove. Aside from that, escalators installed with varying widths also present issues for cleaning professionals and mechanics. Given these and their intricate and complicated structure, it can take 6 to 7 hours for an escalator to be cleaned for the first time.

When cleaning escalators, it is important to create a management plan. For one, property managers should develop a cleaning schedule for each escalator, similar to the other areas that require cleaning. You can begin cleaning during closed hours or during the slowest traffic time.

With the potential hazard they pose, it may also take qualified and trained individuals to clean escalators. Choosing the right company to perform escalator cleaning services is crucial, especially in this competitive market. Qualified professionals can maintain standard methods and understand how to operate the equipment.

What Is An Escalator Clean Down?

Why is a dirty escalator a problem?

Firstly, it is highly unhygienic, especially in the public sector. Not only is it unhygienic but also is damaging to the equipment itself. Dirt, particles and litter can become a problem if they are trapped in between or under the escalators.

An escalator clean down is a procedure involving a complete cleanup and inspection. This is mostly needed on heavily soiled escalators to get it back in good condition.

A major clean down is an opportunity to discover issues that need repair and replacement of parts. This method involves using quality escalator cleaning tools and escalator cleaning chemicals to remove the hard dirt.

When deciding to perform escalator cleaning, it is also important to select the right equipment. Although there are numerous methods of cleaning, choosing the right type of equipment and cleaning supplies to use is necessary. Plus, using modernised methods of cleaning is better than traditional ones if you want to save time and labour on the job.

Some manufacturers require dismantling the escalators and applying a high-pressure washer to clean them. However, this is very costly and time-consuming. With the introduction of modern and innovative escalator cleaning equipment, the job is now a lot easier.

Escalator Cleaning With EscaTEQ

If you are looking for effective escalator cleaning tools, you can find them at EscaTEQ. Our products are simply innovative, easy to transport, maintain and use, yet efficient and deliver the expected results. Whether you want dry or wet cleaning, we have the right products and machines for the job. Call us on (03) 9460 5655 for more details.