Graffiti: A Job For Cleaning Crews?

Sometimes, abatement falls into the facility maintenance department, especially if it’s for outdoor painted or etched vandalism. On the other hand, removing ink from restroom stall doors is more likely a janitor’s responsibility, since they’re already in the restroom to clean it. Conversely, if the partitions need repainting rather than cleaning, it’s probably a job for the maintenance crew.

Governmental units often have their own graffiti-removal programs, and a janitor’s role in those varies by jurisdiction. Some schools and other facilities will call in police to photograph the graffiti for evidence prior to cleanup, so cleaning professionals may need to wait.

But whether it’s a janitor’s responsibility or not, knowing the proper way to get rid of graffiti can be a way to increase an organization’s visibility and value to a facility.