commercial elevator Archives

Cleaning & Disinfecting Commercial Elevators

It is more important now than ever to keep your elevators clean and disinfected. There are several solutions and cleaning methods that you can use to keep here are a few of our best suggestions.

If you own or operate a commercial elevator, you probably already know you need to keep it clean. Elevators can collect the germs of dozens or even hundreds of people within a single day. Especially with the continuous spread of COVID-19, it is more important now than ever to keep your elevators clean and disinfected. There are several solutions and cleaning methods that you can use to keep here are a few of our best suggestions.

Keeping It Clean

elevator buttons — Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash

One of the most accessible and easy ways to keep your commercial elevator clean and safe is routine sanitation. Now that we know that COVID-19 can be transmitted by touching surfaces, it is more important than ever to disinfect at least once daily. Clean the high-touch surfaces in the elevator like rails, buttons, and doors. Keep in mind that using an alcohol-based cleaner could damage your buttons. As for the floors of the elevator, use a disinfecting solution that is safe for your floors and mop as normal.

Surprisingly, the part of an elevator that collects the most dirt and debris is not one that people regularly come in contact with. The tracks – the grooved sets of lift entryways – are known for collecting tiny specks of dirt, grass, dust, and other nasty germs. The best way to clean your tracks is by using a high powered vacuum, along with a non-corrosive cleaner.

Cleaning Tech

Along with a strict cleaning schedule, there are other measures you can take to eliminate the spread of germs in your elevator(s). Vantage Fixtures has created a foot pedal that is used to call the elevator to your floor. Instead of using traditional buttons and risking the spread of germs, the Toe-to-Go foot-activated elevator call button allows for hands-free use of the elevator. These are a great idea for elevators in high-traffic buildings and are something you should highly consider.

Another cool piece of technology that we recommend is the natural purifier made by The Caspr Group. It eliminates air pollution and illness-causing pathogens on surfaces. This can be beneficial for disinfecting elevator buttons, railings, and the walls inside. This purifier converts water into hydrogen peroxide and uses special UV lighting to disinfect. And, you’ll only need to replace it once a year!

Quick Tips

Here are our best quick tips for cleaning your elevator(s).

Use a non-abrasive spray. An abrasive spray could damage your elevator buttons and fixtures and cost you down the line. Stay away from bleach as well.
Use a disposable paper towel or microfiber cloth – never sponges – to clean the inside of your elevator(s).
Don’t spray directly on the surface. Instead, spray your towel first then wipe.

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t be too careful when it comes to cleanliness. Sticking to a routine cleaning schedule for your commercial elevator(s) is the best way to keep all who use them safe. Contact the Godwin team for any questions about cleaning and disinfecting your commercial elevators.

4 Common Commercial Elevator Problems

Let’s go over some of the most common problems you might have with a commercial elevator and what Godwin Elevator can do to help solve them.

If you own, manage, or use a commercial elevator, you probably know that problems will happen, and the elevator won’t run correctly without maintenance. Like any machine, parts inside the elevator can become worn down from usage, and you’ll need to replace them. The intricacy of elevators can sometimes make these issues difficult to spot. Let’s go over some of the most common problems you might have with a commercial elevator and what Godwin Elevator can do to help solve them.

Worn-down Sheaves: You probably already know that sheaves help the elevator to move up and down. The grooved pulley system can become worn-down, in turn, wearing down the ropes that are used to hoist the elevator. If the cycle continues without intervention, the elevator can become a safety concern to passengers. A Godwin Elevator technician can check the sheaves and ropes and replace them or repair them if needed. Unless you’re an elevator professional, worn down sheaves can be hard to spot.
Contamination: Without proper maintenance, contaminants such as dirt, debris, and even water can mix with the hydraulic fluid, resulting in damage to your elevator if not immediately filtered out of the hydraulic reservoir (pump unit). Your elevator technician can analyze the oil to check for contaminants and repair or replace any components that may be damaged due to contamination by outside elements.
Noisy Bearings: Loud or noisy bearings are an indicator of a serious issue that results in motor failure. Obviously, motor failure is something to avoid, but you can take steps to minimize its potential. When bearings are wearing down, the elevator may begin to vibrate or make loud noises. Give us a call if you start hearing strange sounds during operation or suspect a bearing malfunction.
Door Equipment Problems: Doors and their mechanical equipment can malfunction after some time, especially if they aren’t taken care of properly. If your elevator’s doors have been having issues with opening/ shutting recently, have a Godwin elevator technician come check them out. Remember that misaligned doors can be the cause of breakdowns and entrapment, and these are things you’ll always want to avoid.

If you have noticed any of these problems occurring, give us a call today. Our team is dedicated to making sure you feel safe and comfortable while using your commercial elevator. Learn more about our preventative maintenance plan.

3 Signs It’s Time to Modernize Your Commercial Elevator

The process, called modernization, involves a complete upgrade of an elevator’s mechanical equipment. Here are three signs that it is time to modernize your commercial elevator.

If you own or manage a commercial elevator, you know that maintenance is the key to a safe and functioning machine. But, there comes a time when maintenance won’t fix the issues that need to be addressed. Just like any other piece of heavy machinery, elevators don’t last forever, and you will need to replace the equipment at some point. The process, called modernization, involves a complete upgrade of an elevator’s mechanical equipment. Here are three signs that it is time to modernize your commercial elevator.

What is Modernization?

Modernization may sound like a repair, but it is more complicated than that. The entire system’s functionality will improve after modernization, and you’ll see lots of positive changes. A few of those benefits include energy efficiency, user experience, and safety. Modernizing can save money in the long run and ensure that the machinery is safe. You’ll know that it’s time to update based upon three key signs.

Age. Your elevator’s age is one of the most critical aspects when deciding whether to modernize or not. If your elevator is at least 20 years old, this is something you’ll want to consider. Parts can become worn down or dated, causing safety to be a risk. These safety risks can become liabilities, so it is best to keep your elevator’s age in mind when considering modernization.
Frequent Repairs. If you continually have to repair your commercial elevator, it is time to start thinking about modernization. Constant repair isn’t cheap, and every little thing that goes wrong will start to add up. Modernizing your elevator is going to cost you but will save you from those expensive repairs. As we mentioned, modernization is a complete upgrade of all mechanical equipment, so you shouldn’t have nearly as many repairs.
Safety Issues. As much as we hate to think about it, parts can become too old to function correctly, and elevators can become a safety hazard. If any safety issues have been reported, you should look into modernization. You want the best safety and technology possible for your elevator users, and modernizing yours is the best way to do this. Ignoring reports of safety issues can only prolong the problem and put users in potential danger.

As we mentioned, the ultimate goal of modernizing your commercial elevator ensures safety among all elevator users. If you have any questions about upgrading your commercial elevator, contact us.