What type of cleaning fluid should be used to clean hoist ropes?

Using a cleaning fluid on hoist ropes is typically not recommended, which makes "never" the correct response. Hoist ropes can be sensitive to certain chemicals and cleaning fluids, which could potentially lead to degradation of the rope materials, compromising their strength and safety. The integrity of the hoist ropes is critical for the safe operation of elevators and other lifting devices, and introducing cleaners may introduce unnecessary risks.

While maintenance best practices encourage regular inspections and potential cleaning of other elevator components, hoist ropes should remain free of any fluids that could cause corrosion, weakening, or contamination. Hence, selecting "never" acknowledges the importance of preserving the functionality and safety of the hoist ropes.