People have been left in shock after they realized what the brushes on escalators are actually meant to be used for.
And it turns out, they are actually not installed into the sides of every escalator as a handy shoe cleaner.
While that fact might seem obvious to some, it was apparently news to others who took to social media to share their shock at what the real reason for the brushes is.
On Reddit, one user lifted the lid on the truth, writing: “Brushes on escalators are a safety feature. Escalator side brushes, or skirt deflectors, are crucial safety features preventing clothing, shoelaces, and feet from getting caught in the gap between the moving steps and the stationary side panel (skirt). They aren't for cleaning shoes; instead, they gently push objects away, acting as a physical reminder for passengers to stay clear of the edge and avoid dangerous entanglement with the escalator's mechanics. Made from nylon with aluminum or steel brackets, these brushes are designed to be flexible and conform to safety standards.”
This prompted a series of replies as one user said: “I remember walking past the escalator in the mall as a child, it was down for maintenance. At the bottom there was a child’s shoe absolutely mangled in the side of the escalator. It’s still makes me shudder thinking about the image.”
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Another commented: “My foot got stuck in an escalator as a kid (1970s). Glad to know this is a safety feature now!”
A third person joked: “They may not be designed for cleaning shoes, but they do the job perfectly.”
And a fourth added: “One of my biggest fears is getting stuck on an escalator and dragged through the little gap like trying to squeeze the last bit from a tube of toothpaste.”
If you’re still unsure exactly how the brushes work, one video posted to YouTube by Zack D. Films details all.
In the clip, he explains: “Have you ever wondered why escalators have these brushes on the sides? Well, contrary to popular belief they aren’t for cleaning your shoes you see in between the steps and the side is a small gap called the skirt and underneath the skirt is where all of the mechanics and gears are for the escalator.
“This brush known as a skirt deflector acts as a safety feature by preventing you from stepping too close to this gap this is so your shoelaces and pant legs don’t get sucked in.”