While everyone is doing their best to keep their employees and patrons safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, they may be overlooking the damage these harsh chemicals could do to their sensitive elevator components and surfaces. Disinfecting high-traffic areas may be the priority, but unnecessary damage to electrical devices can be very costly and impact your elevator’s functionality, resulting in more downtime.
Elevator Cleaning Tips for Virus Protection
- Sensitive lacquered and plastic surfaces should be delicately cleaned. Avoid using alcohol-based cleaners to uphold the integrity of these components.
- For most other surfaces, a solution using 70% alcohol will sufficiently clean the elevator without causing unnecessary damage.
- We recommend using microfiber cloths and delicate cleaning sprays for wiping down elevators.
- Never spray disinfectants directly onto elevator buttons or components. Instead, spray the disinfectant into a paper towel or microfiber cloth and then wipe down the necessary areas.
- Typically, sponges retain bacteria, and excess moisture will damage electrical components.
How Long will COVID-19 live on surfaces?
Surface contact is one of the most common ways to spread the COVID-19 virus. It’s why regular cleaning is so essential for high-traffic areas such as elevators. Particularly the most-often touched areas with our hands, such as buttons and doorways. There are different strands of the virus, but the latest studies show that the virus lives the longest on ceramic and glass surfaces at up to 5 days. While aluminum is low on the virus’s surface life scale, it can still live for up to 8 hours on aluminum surfaces.
Doors, Walls, and Other High-traffic Areas that Need Sterilization
Stainless Steel is the most commonly used interior for elevator doors and walls because of its high durability and premium aesthetic. The virus can live for up four days on stainless steel. It would be best to use specialized stainless steel cleaner for the proper polish and avoid water spots. The non-abrasive cleaner will not only ensure that your finish stays properly polished but that your passengers aren’t overwhelmed with the strong chemical smell.
Disinfecting Buttons and Other Sensitive Elevator Components
It would be best if you locked the elevator before cleaning buttons to avoid accidental presses. Indirectly spray antibacterial cleaners into a cloth and then carefully wipe each button. Always avoid directly spraying electronic components as moisture can leak into surfaces and damage the electrical panel behind the buttons. Microfiber cloths help to remove small bits of dirt and bacteria from around the button’s surface.