Elevator cleaning – a 5-step guide

Washing an elevator is a task that requires knowledge and care, because elevators are used intensively every day. After all, their condition has a huge impact on the comfort of users. Professional cleaning of an elevator cannot be limited only to improving aesthetics, but washing is intended to improve hygiene. What to wash an elevator with and how to do it?

Elevator cleaning is important

Regular cleaning of the elevator is mainly about hygiene. Elevators are closed spaces used by hundreds or even thousands of people daily. Such conditions are conducive to the accumulation of bacteria and other microorganisms on touch surfaces such as buttons or handrails. A clean elevator also has a positive impact on the image of the building in which it is located. A dirty and neglected elevator will negatively affect the perception of the place by other people.

Professional elevator cleaning step by step

Elevator cleaning

First of all, washing the elevator requires care and the use of appropriate procedures. All this to avoid mechanical and aesthetic damage. How to do it? Below we will outline some steps to take when cleaning an elevator.

Step 1 – Immobilizing the elevator

If possible, the elevator should be taken out of service before cleaning. Activating the service mode will help to immobilize the elevator and perform cleaning. If it is impossible to take the elevator out of service, cleaning should be performed with increased caution.

Step 2 – Cleaning Control Panels and Glass Surfaces

Clinex Multi Clean - elevator cleaning agent

Control panels are buttons for selecting floors, they are one of the most frequently touched elements in the elevator. It is on them that bacteria and dirt most often accumulate. To effectively clean the control panels, you should use cleaning agents with a delicate formula. What to wash the elevator with? We recommend Clinex Multi Spray or Clinex Multi Clean for cleaning the elevator. The first preparation is a ready-to-use product. The second, on the other hand, is in the form of a concentrate. First of all, the preparation must be applied to a microfiber cloth and only then start cleaning. It is worth remembering not to apply the preparation directly to the electronic elements, to avoid moisture getting into the panel. Both preparations will also work perfectly for washing and cleaning glass surfaces such as mirrors, which are located in elevators.

Step 3 – Washing the walls in the elevator

The walls of the elevator cabin are mainly made of stainless steel or glass. Stainless steel surfaces should be degreased first. Clinex Multi Clean and Clinex Multi Spray are also suitable for this purpose. Thanks to this, you can wash the entire elevator with one preparation. Additionally, both products have properties that neutralize unpleasant odors, which are replaced with a pleasant, fresh scent. It is also important not to use rough sponges or brushes during cleaning, which can scratch the cleaned surface.

Step 4 – Elevator Door Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning a stainless steel elevator

Elevator doors, both external and internal, often remain uncleaned, despite being one of the most exposed elements. Elevator doors should also be thoroughly degreased from the outside and inside. When both the doors and the walls of the elevator are degreased, you can start washing. What preparation should be used to clean a stainless steel elevator ? First, it is necessary to clean the stainless steel using Multi Celan or Multi Spray . Then we recommend using Clinex Shine Steel , to polish and preserve steel, making it resistant to dirt and fingering.

In the case of stainless steel doors, you must not forget about the edges, where the most dirt collects. In the case of automatic doors, it is important not to flood the mechanisms, which could cause failure or long-term damage.

Step 5 – Lighting

Disinfection of elevator buttons

Of course, professional elevator cleaning also covers details such as lighting and fans. How to do it? Lighting should be cleaned with a soft microfiber cloth to remove dust, which will improve the efficiency of the light source. Similarly, fans and air vents require regular cleaning of dust, which negatively affects air quality.

We also recommend disinfecting the buttons at this stage. What preparation to disinfect buttons in the elevator? For this purpose, we recommend Clinex DEZOFast , which will cope with viruses and bacteria.

The most common mistakes when cleaning an elevator

One of the most common mistakes is using the wrong cleaning agents. Using harsh cleaning agents on stainless steel can cause permanent damage to the surface. It is important that each surface in the elevator is washed with the appropriate cleaning agent that is designed for the type of material.

Another common mistake is not cleaning the control panels thoroughly. Too much water or cleaning agent on the panels can damage the electronics, which leads to the elevator control system failing. Additionally, the control panels are cleaned carelessly, which does not completely eliminate bacteria and dirt. Skipping hard-to-reach places such as corners, guides or ventilation elements is another mistake. These places are a breeding ground for dust and dirt, which can affect not only the appearance of the elevator, but also its operation. Inadequate cleaning can lead to the accumulation of dirt over time, which will be difficult to remove without a thorough cleaning.

Cleaning and care of stainless steel – see how our expert does it


Elevator cleaning is an important service, so it is worth preparing well for its performance. The key is to prepare the right cleaning agents. Those that are intended for degreasing, as well as for cleaning glass surfaces and stainless steel. Only then will the cleaning process be effective.

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