Keeping a commercial lift clean is often overlooked, but it’s an essential part of maintaining a hygienic, safe, and professional workplace.
Lifts are high-traffic areas where germs, fingerprints, smudges, and dirt build up quickly.
Routine elevator cleaning does more than just improve hygiene. It also protects the appearance of the lift, prevents the build-up of odours, and helps prolong the lifespan of its interior surfaces and mechanisms.
Clean lifts look better, function more smoothly, and reflect positively on your business.
While some businesses manage this task in-house, many choose to outsource to a professional office cleaning company.
At Green Facilities, we provide thorough, eco-conscious lift cleaning services using eco friendly cleaning products that are safe for employees and the environment alike.
Why Regular Elevator Cleaning Matters
Lifts are among the most frequently used areas in any commercial building.
Buttons, handrails, and door edges are all high-touch surfaces, and they're touched by dozens, if not hundreds, of people each day. Without regular cleaning and disinfection, these areas become breeding grounds for bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microorganisms.
Clean lifts are also important from a visual and sensory perspective. Smudged panels, grubby buttons, and musty smells can give visitors a poor first impression. In contrast, a well-maintained lift sends the message that your business takes hygiene and appearance seriously.
Skipping regular commercial elevator cleaning can also lead to the premature wearing of materials.
Dust, grit, and spills can scratch or stain surfaces over time, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Routine cleaning helps prevent this, keeping your lift looking good and operating safely.
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving a Clean Lift
Getting Ready – Safety First
Before any cleaning begins, it’s essential to take the lift out of service.
This isn’t just a courtesy — it’s a safety measure that protects both the cleaning team and building occupants. Signage should be clearly displayed outside the lift to let people know it’s temporarily unavailable.
Cleaning staff should also wear appropriate PPE, including gloves and face masks.
This helps prevent exposure to germs and protects against the effects of any cleaning solutions being used, even if they are eco friendly cleaning products.
Clean the Lift Interior
Cleaning should always begin at the top of the lift and move downwards. This ensures that any dust or particles dislodged from higher surfaces don’t fall onto areas that have already been cleaned.
Start with the ceiling, light fixtures (if accessible), and the upper walls.
A microfibre cloth and a mild, soapy solution are effective for removing dust, smudges, and marks. For stainless steel panels or mirrored surfaces, use a non-abrasive cleaner that won’t scratch or cloud the finish.
The same applies to doors and wall panels — clean them thoroughly using products suited to their materials to preserve the lift’s appearance.
Disinfecting High-Touch Points
Buttons, control panels, and handrails are some of the most heavily touched surfaces in the entire building.
These should be disinfected carefully, using an antibacterial spray applied to a cloth — never sprayed directly onto the buttons, as liquid can seep into electronic components and cause damage.
Door edges and handles should also be wiped down and disinfected.
These surfaces can harbour a surprising amount of bacteria, especially in lifts located in busy office buildings or retail centres. Regular, focused attention on these areas is key to maintaining hygiene and minimising the spread of illness.
Clean the Lift Floor
The type of flooring in the lift determines how it should be cleaned.
If the lift is carpeted, vacuuming with a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner is the best approach.
Special attention should be paid to corners and edges where dust can gather. For guidance, Green Facilities provides a helpful resource on how to safely clean commercial carpet.
For lifts with hard floors — such as tile, laminate, or vinyl — mopping with an eco friendly cleaning solution is recommended. Be sure to use products that clean effectively without leaving a slippery surface.
If the lift floor is made of metal or brushed steel, a non-corrosive cleaner should be used to preserve its finish and avoid discolouration.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Methods
Traditional cleaning products often contain strong chemicals, artificial fragrances, and other irritants.
While they may be effective, they can also have negative side effects for both people and the planet. These products can cause skin irritation, asthma flare-ups, and environmental harm when disposed of.
That’s why more businesses are switching to eco-friendly cleaning.
At Green Facilities, we use biodegradable, non-toxic cleaning products that are tough on germs but gentle on people and the environment. Our methods reduce indoor air pollution, leave no harmful residues, and support sustainability across the board.
We also reduce waste by using refillable containers, washable microfibre cloths, and equipment designed for long-term use.
As part of our commitment to responsible business practices, Green Facilities operates to B Corp standards, ensuring that everything we do — including our elevator cleaning — meets high environmental and ethical standards.
Why Professional Lift Cleaning is a Smart Choice
Expert Cleaning for High-Traffic Areas
Cleaning a lift properly takes more than just a quick wipe-down.
High-use areas like lifts require careful attention to detail and knowledge of the correct cleaning techniques and materials. This is where a professional office cleaning service makes a real difference.
Professionals know how to disinfect without damaging control panels or surface finishes.
They understand the different cleaning requirements for various lift materials, and they have access to commercial-grade equipment and products that clean more thoroughly than off-the-shelf solutions.
For businesses with heavy lift usage — such as offices, hotels, or shopping centres — investing in commercial cleaning services is the best way to ensure the job is done safely and effectively.
Flexible and Tailored Office Cleaning Plans
No two lifts are exactly the same — and neither are their cleaning needs.
Some may require daily disinfection due to high traffic, while others might only need a deep clean once a week. Green Facilities offers tailored office cleaning services that are based on how often your lifts are used, their location in the building, and the materials they’re made from.
Whether it’s part of a full building cleaning contract or a stand-alone service, we’ll work with you to create a cleaning schedule that fits your business.
This ensures your lifts stay clean without disruption or unnecessary cost.
How to Maintain A Clean Lift Between Professional Cleanings
Daily Quick-Clean Tips
Even with regular professional cleaning, it’s helpful to have a basic daily routine in place.
A simple wipe-down of the buttons, control panel, and handrails each day can keep germs at bay and maintain a tidy appearance between deeper cleans.
Use disposable cloths or reusable microfibre wipes with an eco friendly cleaning product that is safe for touchpoints. Quick visual checks throughout the day can also help spot any spills, smudges, or maintenance issues early.
Encouraging Good Hygiene Among Lift Users
Keeping a clean lift is a shared responsibility.
Businesses can support hygiene by installing hand sanitiser stations near lift entrances and exits, allowing users to clean their hands before and after using the controls.
Simple signage can also be a helpful reminder — for example, encouraging users to avoid touching their face or to wash hands regularly.
These small actions can reduce the spread of germs and help maintain the cleanliness of shared spaces.
Green Facilities: Keeping Your Lifts Safe & Clean
Clean, well-maintained lifts speak volumes about your business.
They show that you value safety, presentation, and the experience of the people who use your space.
With regular, high-quality elevator cleaning, you reduce health risks, protect your property, and improve the overall atmosphere of your building.
At Green Facilities, we’re proud to provide expert office cleaning services with a strong focus on eco friendly cleaning.
Our experienced team is trained to deliver consistent results across all types of commercial elevator settings — from offices and retail to hospitality and public buildings.
To learn more about how we can support your cleaning goals or to schedule your next clean lift service, get in touch today.