Although cleaning your elevators has always been important, with the spread of COVID, it has never been more critical than today. At Professional Elevator Inspections, we have compiled a helpful list of tips and tricks, so you can adequately clean and disinfect your elevators without causing damage or leaving areas unattended.
1. Disinfecting
Disinfecting your elevator should be a priority. You should do this correctly to avoid any damage to your electrical and mechanical components that could cause costly repairs.
Avoid using alcohol-based cleaners directly on elevator buttons, as they will become brittle. Avoid sponges, as the excess moisture will damage your elevator's electronic components. Lysol sprayed on a microfiber towel, or you can use Lysol wipes in a limited capacity. Do not use bleach-based products as they will cause damage to polycarbonate fixtures.
2. Cleaning Sills, Tracks, Doors & Walls
Sills: Tracks between the elevator doors are magnets for dirt, dust, debris, and germs. Build-up can also give your elevator doors trouble operating correctly over time. Sweep out or vacuum out the tracks between the doors daily, then use a non-abrasive cleaner on the stainless steel and get between the tracks.
Elevator Doors: To properly clean the doors, use only a non-abrasive cleaner to remove dirt, dust, and any spots. Most commercial elevator doors are stainless steel. Use stainless steel cleaning agents to remove any debris and give the doors a shine.
Interior Walls:
Use only non-abrasive,non-corrosive cleaners.
If the walls are stainless, use the same cleaning method as used to clean the doors.
For laminate and other interior wall types, spray with a solution of no more than 70% alcohol and wipe down with a microfiber cloth.
Do not use any strong odors as your tenants will not appreciate the cleaning agent's smell.
3. Floors
It is essential to clean your elevator floors daily, and the process depends on the type of flooring.
Carpeted Floors: Use a vacuum or brush to remove the dirt and debris. These floors trap dirt, dust, and grime, and using a brush or vacuum combined with an industrial floor cleaner, can help prevent passengers from tracking the dirt and out of the elevator.
Polished Tile or Stainless Steel: Like the stainless doors, you should clean this flooring type with a non-abrasive, non-corrosive cleaner applied with a Swiffer-type mop. Do not use products that polish as your floor will become slippery and will become a hazard.
4. Light Fixtures and Panel Buttons
Elevator Buttons: The elevator buttons should be the last item you clean in your elevator cab, and you should never spray them with any solution or liquid. You can use an antibacterial solution or a 70% alcohol mixture. Spray a microfiber cloth and wipe down elevator buttons, removing any trapped dirt. Be careful not to allow excess cleaner to seep into the buttons.
Lighting Fixtures: Many elevators today have LED recessed lighting with a stainless steel ceiling. Again, you never want to spray these surfaces directly. Use your microfiber cloth to wipe down the lighting surfaces and ceiling. You can also use a vacuum wand to remove dirt, dust, and other debris from ceiling surfaces.
Author Contact Information:
David Lilja
President, PEI Colorado
Cell: (720) 745-5700 | Office: (720) 641-1300 x102
Email: [email protected] | www.PEIColorado.com