6 Tips for Cleaning Your Commercial Elevator

It is critical in the modern-day that elevators are cleaned regularly, especially commercial elevators used by hundreds of people daily. However, cleaning an elevator requires specific procedures and products. 

Here are six tips when it comes to cleaning a commercial elevator.

Keep Elevator Air Pure

Elevator air should be as fresh and pure as possible to avoid germs. An air purification system can help prevent the spread of airborne sickness; this is especially helpful since we live in a post-pandemic world. 

Buckley Elevator installs CleanCab commercial elevator purification systems in all elevators. CleanCab with ActivePure Technology pulls oxygen and water molecules in the air through ActivePure’s patented honeycomb matrix. Powerful oxidizers like ActivePure Molecules are created here. Then, the system launches the disinfecting molecules back into the elevator car which destroys pathogens in the air and on surfaces. 

Vacuum Elevator Pit

The elevator pit, known as the space at the bottom of an elevator shaft that extends below the lowest landing door and the ground, needs to be cleaned regularly. Trash, dust, and debris can often fall through cracks between elevator doors to accumulate in pits below the elevator cab which can affect the operation of the elevator’s moving parts. 

Technicians will remove trash manually and use a vacuum to remove dust and dirt that accumulates in the pit. A pit cleaning should be performed with a certified elevator technician present to ensure the elevator is locked and unable to move. 

Polish & Dust Stainless Steel-Coated Cab Panels & Doors

Stainless steel-coated cab panels can help make an elevator look refined. After a lot of use, an elevator can get dirty with fingerprints, dust, and other examples of grime. It’s important to use the correct materials and processes when polishing stainless steel-coated solar panels to prevent damage. 

The best stainless steel protection methods include the following. 

• Use a light spray of stainless steel cleaner and a soft rag 
• Buff the cab panels with a soft clean cloth in a vertical motion 
• Have elevator specialists remove scratches 
• To avoid fingerprints, apply a light coat of silicone or furniture wax

Vacuum or Clean Elevator Floors

Elevator floors are made up of different materials. Some are made of carpet, while others are tile or steel floors. For floors that are made of carpet, brush and vacuum the floor frequently and schedule annual deep cleanings for the desired results. Other types of flooring will need to be washed with strong disinfectants.  

Sterilize Mirrors, Light Fixtures, & Panel Buttons

Mirrors, light fixtures, and buttons on the control panel are the last cleaning tasks for your elevator. Before you start, make sure to lock the elevator so it won’t move from an accidental press of a button when cleaning. 

Use antibacterial cleaning agents on elevator buttons by spraying a microfiber cloth and then applying it to the control panel. Never place the cleaner directly on the buttons as the cleaning agent could damage internal components.

Microfiber cloths can be used to clean dust and dirt that collects from light fixtures and mirrors. To clean elevator mirrors, you can create a DIY solution using water and vinegar. Never use sponges, as they contain moisture which holds bacteria that could damage your elevator.  

Be Aware of Cleaning Products

When cleaning elevator surfaces like call buttons and touch screens, it’s important to remember that riders will be touching these surfaces daily. Avoid disinfecting chemicals that are harmful to the environment and people. 

Here are some of the following chemicals to stay away from in cleaning solutions:

• Acetone
• Calcium Bisulfite 
• Chloroform
• Hexane
• Fluorine 

Enlist Buckley Elevator for all elevator cleaning projects. We will begin with a consultation, followed by a quote to install an elevator air purification system.