Why Do Escalators Have Those Strange Brushes on the Sides?

Sure! Here’s an engaging and informative article about those curious escalator brushes:

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## 🤔 Why Do Escalators Have Those Strange Brushes on the Sides?

Have you ever stood on an escalator and noticed those unusual brushes running along the edges near the steps? They often go unnoticed, but once you spot them, you might find yourself wondering: **What are those brushes for? Why are they even there?**

It turns out, those seemingly odd features are far from decorative—they’re an important safety and maintenance tool built right into escalators. Let’s dive into why escalators have these strange brushes on the sides and what purpose they serve.

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### 1. **Safety First: Keeping Feet and Clothing Away**

The brushes you see along the escalator edges are called **comb brushes** or **skirt brushes**. Their primary purpose is **to prevent your feet, shoelaces, or clothing from getting trapped between the moving steps and the side panels**—which can cause serious injury.

The bristles gently guide passengers’ feet away from the gap between the step and the side skirt, helping to avoid pinching or trapping. It’s a subtle but effective safety feature designed to reduce accidents, especially in busy places like malls and transit stations.

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### 2. **Reduce Debris Buildup**

Besides safety, these brushes help **keep dirt, dust, and small debris from accumulating in the gap between the steps and the side skirt**. This helps maintain the escalator’s smooth operation and reduces wear and tear on moving parts.

Regular maintenance is crucial for escalator longevity, and these brushes assist by **preventing grime from clogging the mechanism** underneath the steps.