How to safely clean forklift trucks
Keeping forklifts clean helps them work efficiently and prevents breakdowns
Just like any piece of machinery, your forklift truck needs regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. If you let dirt, grime, rust and debris build up, you might run into issues that could lead to breakdowns and parts needing replacement. We make sure every used forklift truck we supply is thoroughly checked by our engineers. This includes giving the vehicles a proper clean and making sure they’re free from dirt that could lead to wear and tear down the line.
“Regular cleaning is just as important as mechanical maintenance. A clean forklift truck is a safer forklift truck, and it helps our engineers spot potential issues before they become serious problems,” explains our Director Courtney.
Keeping your forklift trucks clean isn’t as difficult as you might think. Having the right equipment makes things easier, and it’s a good idea to put together a cleaning rota for your team. It might not be the most exciting job, but it’s important for keeping your trucks running longer.
How to clean a forklift properly
1. Set up for safety
Cleaning a forklift may not pose the same risks as operating one, but caution should still be applied. Make sure your forklift is parked outdoors, free from obstruction and has been positioned somewhere that water spray isn’t going to create a hazard.
You should also wear appropriate clothing to carry out the job, including:
- Non-slip shoes
- Protective goggles or a helmet with eye protection
- Strong gloves
During cleaning, rust or debris may be thrown from the vehicle. It’s important to protect your hands, head and eyes from damage.
2. Start by removing loose dirt, rust or paintwork
Using either your hands (with gloves) or a brush, scrape away any loose bits of rust, paintwork or large clumps of dirt and dispose of them.
3. Pressure wash away the mess
Pressure washing is the best way to clean most forklift trucks as it’s fast and highly effective. However, it’s not advisable to use a water pressure washer on most electric vehicles due to the risk to internal components.
Air pressure washers can be used for electric forklifts and any tough dirt can be removed afterwards with a soapy sponge by hand. These washers are also useful when your forklift is covered in the residue of water-reactive materials, such as plaster or concrete mix.
4. Wiping down dirt and grime
Depending on how dirty your forklift is, you may want to wipe down your windscreens and doors with glass wash. Make sure you clean inside the cabin too. The more regularly your forklifts are checked for loose particles and debris, the lower the chance of anything creeping into the mechanics.
5. Making sure the mechanics are squeaky clean
Proper vehicle maintenance also involves keeping the interior mechanics of your truck clean and in good working order. This is something that requires an engineer’s knowledge to carry out safely, so should only be done by somebody who’s experienced in this area.
However, if you annually service your trucks, this should be taken care of. Any debris will be removed and the components will be wiped down, if necessary, making sure your vehicles engines are clean and ready to serve you well for another year.
How to clean a forklift chain
If you need to clean your forklift chain, begin by ensuring the forks are fully lowered. Remove any visible debris from the chain first to prevent damage to the chain during cleaning. Avoid using any harsh chemicals – clean water or a steam jet is generally enough. If you have any stubborn dirt or residue, chain cleaners and mild degreasers are also available.
After cleaning, make sure you allow the chain to dry completely before applying proper lubrication – you can use compressed air to speed the process up. A spray lubricant is the best way to ensure thorough coverage. Make sure you spray the inside of the chain to properly penetrate the pins and plates, preventing rust build-up.
Extra tips for electric trucks
If you’re working with an electric forklift truck, there are a few additional things to keep in mind. You’ll never want to use a water pressure washer as this could damage the electrical components. Instead, go for an air-pressure washer. For any tough dirt, you can use a lightly damp sponge by hand. Just remember to take extra care around any electrical connections.
“What a lot of operators don’t realise is that regular cleaning actually helps your forklift truck last longer. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your investment,” notes Courtney, Moorgate Director.
Why regular cleaning makes a difference
Regular cleaning of your forklift truck has some key benefits:
- Prevents unexpected breakdowns by removing dirt and debris before they can damage components
- Improves daily performance and efficiency
- Protects against rust and corrosion
- Makes it easier to spot potential issues early
- Extends the overall life of your equipment
While your team can handle regular cleaning, remember that some jobs are best left to the professionals. Things like annual servicing, deep cleaning of mechanical components and any internal maintenance work should always be done by qualified engineers.
We hope you’ve found this forklift cleaning guide useful. Are you a Yorkshire based company who’d like to arrange forklift servicing for your site? You can do so by getting in touch with our team. Alternatively, you can view our full range of forklifts for sale and forklifts for hire.
