Understanding Elevator Doors

Elevator Doors: Small Components, Massive Workload

Elevator doors open and close thousands of times every year. In fact, according to the Elevator History website, elevators worldwide carry the equivalent of the Earth’s entire population every three days. With a global population in the billions, that represents an enormous number of trips—and an equally enormous number of door cycles.

Despite that workload, modern elevator doors are remarkably reliable. However, like any mechanical system that sees constant use, door components can experience wear, contamination, or minor issues over time.

The good news?
Not every door problem indicates a major failure. In many cases, performance issues such as slow-closing doors or doors that hesitate before closing are caused by environmental factors—not broken equipment.

And in some situations, there are safe, non-technical steps building staff can take to improve door operation that can be added to regular building maintenance or while waiting for a service technician.

Simple, Safe Ways to Improve Elevator Door Performance

These tips apply only to cleaning and visual inspection. They do not involve adjustments, disassembly, or bypassing safety devices.

1. Keep the Sill Plate Clean

The elevator door sill—the metal plate you step over when entering the cab—is not decorative. It is the track that the door travels on.

Small debris such as sand, grit, or pebbles can:

• Slow door movement

• Cause doors to hesitate or stick

• Trigger nuisance faults

What to do:
Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove loose debris from the sill groove. This simple step alone resolves many slow-door complaints.

2. Watch for Sticky Residue in the Track

In high-traffic buildings—hotels, medical offices, schools—it’s common to find sugary residue in the sill track from spilled drinks.

Over time, this creates a sticky film that:

• Increases friction

• Attracts dirt

• Interferes with smooth door travel

What to do:
Clean the sill groove with mild soapy water and a non-abrasive pad. Avoid harsh chemicals or aggressive scraping.

3. Clean the Door Safety Sensors (Light Curtains)

Most modern elevators use infrared light curtains, not single beams, to prevent doors from closing on passengers.

These sensors can be disrupted by:

• Dirt or wax buildup

• Residue from improper cleaning products

• Paint overspray

• Objects hanging or blowing into the sensor path

What to do:
Gently clean the black sensor strips on the door edge and jamb with a soft cloth. Ensure nothing is blocking the sensor path.

⚠️ Important: Scratches or damage to the sensor housing can cause false readings. Never scrape or use abrasive tools.

4. Clean the PATH

Don’t for get to clean any door mats and floors that are near the elevator entrance or on the path to the elevator. That grit and grime comes from somewhere. Unknowingly people maybe routinely tracking in the dirty that is causing the issue.

When to Call Your Elevator Service Provider

If you’re unsure what belongs in the sill track, how to clean a component, or if door problems persist after cleaning, it’s time to call your elevator maintenance provider. At Georgia Lift Solutions we will give your elevator doors and the rest of your elevator all the love and attention it deserves. That repair, when it comes to the doors maybe an easy cleaning. Remember, over the years, we’ve seen nearly everything lodged in door tracks:

• Coins

• Pen caps

• Bottle caps

• Pencils

Any one of these can prevent doors from operating properly—and none require a major repair once identified. If you are confused at all we can help.

Preventive Care Makes a Difference

Adding light cleaning of the door sills and entrances to your cleaning routine can make a difference. Just adding those itmes to your building maintenance checklist can make a big difference:

• Reduce nuisance calls

• Improve door reliability

• Extend component life

• Enhance passenger experience

At Georgia Lift Solutions, we believe well-maintained elevators start with informed building owners and maintenance teams. Knowing what’s safe to clean—and when to call a professional—helps keep your elevators running smoothly and your tenants satisfied.

If you have questions about door performance, maintenance best practices, or need professional service, our team is always ready to help.