Rome content creator cleans historic graffiti, gains viral following

Graffiti has been a visible element of Rome’s urban landscape for centuries, adorning ancient walls, modern storefronts and historic monuments alike. In recent months a Rome‑based content creator has attracted a growing online audience by documenting the removal of illegal spray‑paint tags using a specialized cleaning spray. The creator’s videos, posted on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, demonstrate a step‑by‑step process that combines a biodegradable solvent with a low‑pressure sprayer, allowing the original surface to be restored without damage to stone or plaster. Since launching the channel in early 2023, the series has amassed over 250,000 subscribers and generated more than 15 million cumulative views, prompting local heritage groups to reference the tutorials in their own preservation guidelines.

The rise of the cleaning‑spray series coincides with renewed municipal efforts to curb vandalism in the city’s historic districts, where officials have allocated additional funding for anti‑graffiti patrols and community outreach. While the creator’s method has been praised for its environmental friendliness and cost‑effectiveness, city authorities have emphasized that it complements, rather than replaces, official cleaning crews and legal enforcement. As the platform continues to expand, the initiative highlights a collaborative model in which digital media, private citizens and public agencies work together to protect Rome’s cultural patrimony.