Abstract: An improved escalator tread cleaning brush (12) is disclosed for use in cleaning the steps (14) of an escalator (10). A brush bar (28) forming a portion of the brush (12) mounts first, second and third sets of bristles (44, 46, 52). The first set of bristles is formed of wire tufts and has a relatively elongate length for brushing the grooves (18) in the steps (14). The second set of bristles is formed of wire tufts and has a relatively short length for cleaning the tread (16) of the steps (14). The third set of bristles is formed of plastic tufts and has a relatively elongate length for cleaning the grooves (18). A spring bar (42) can be used to urge the bristles into cleaning contact with the steps (14). In a first modification, a weight (86) can be used to urge the bristles into cleaning contact with the steps. The brush bar (28) is prevented from movement relative to the rail housings (20, 22) of the escalator (10) by a cross bar (32) extending between the ends of the rail housings.