The disclosed preferred embodiment of the handrail cleaning device comprises a flexible bar which uses spring resilience force to press one or more reusable or disposable cleaning pads against the moving handrail of an escalator. The apparatus provides a lightweight, low cost apparatus that is simple to set-up and use and requires no external power. Additionally, the device is capable of cleaning and treating the handrails of common escalators during operation of the escalator. The device utilizes the motion of the escalator to perform the cleaning action. The simplicity of the device allows for multiple devices to be used simultaneously by a single operator.