Method of cleaning steps of an escalator

A method of cleaning steps of an escalator, while the escalator is in motion, each of the escalator steps having a plurality of parallel tread ridges separated by tread grooves, the escalator having parallel opposing rail housings for guiding steps of the escalator, the method comprising the following steps:

• providing a cleaning pad assembly, said cleaning pad assembly comprising a rigid upper plate and a flexible bottom pad having a cleaning contact surface, said contact surface carrying a plurality of spaced parallel pad ridges separated by pad grooves, wherein at least one of said pad ridges is elongated along a line extending substantially parallel to direction of motion of the escalator steps, and at least one of said pad grooves is elongated along a line extending adjacent to and parallel to said at least one of said pad ridges;
• positioning said cleaning pad assembly to extend substantially perpendicular to direction of motion of the escalator steps;
• causing said plurality of pad ridges to frictionally engage within the tread grooves, and causing said plurality of pad grooves to receive tread ridges therein;
• dislodging debris from the tread ridges and the tread grooves by contact with the cleaning pad assembly during advance motion of the escalator.