You know what’s really irritating? How about taking a family trip to see historical architecture only to find graffiti all over it. On a trip to Arizona this summer, while visiting an ancient Pueblo Indian ruin which has been standing for thousands of years, I discovered someone had carved their name into one of the standing walls. We see it everywhere in public; whether it’s in bathrooms, on trains, or on the exterior of a business, but I never would have thought to see it on something so beautiful and precious. Graffiti anywhere is frustrating. It occurs too often on schools, businesses, and public buildings. It can harm the reputation of your organization and makes your facility unsightly. So what can you do to combat graffiti?

Rapid Removal

The faster you remove graffiti, typically within 24-48 hours, the less likely for someone to do it again. Graffiti tends to encourage more graffiti.  The thinking may go... “if everyone else is doing it, I might as well." Graffiti takes time! If people realize their work will not last, they will be discouraged from spending time doing it. Plus, the faster you act, the easier it is to remove. The longer the substance stays in contact with the surface, the deeper it will penetrate and the harder it is to remove. More labor and cleaning product means more time and more money!

Surface Type

If a surface is porous, allow the chemical to sit longer in order to soak in, then scrub the surface with an abrasive. If it’s non-porous it may only require you to spray the chemical on and wipe with a rag or cloth shortly after. Depending on the sensitivity of the surface, agitation may cause discoloration or damage so test a small inconspicuous spot.

Chemical

 Some chemicals are hazardous, toxic, and harmful to the environment. If possible, consider "green" and environmentally preferable products when removing graffiti.

Although you can’t prevent graffiti, you can maintain control of the issue and discourage additional vandalism by quickly removing it.

Do you have other cleaning questions? Click the link below for many more helpful ideas.