Abstract: For the removal of graffiti 10 a method and removal agent are provided, said agent being comprised of solvents and surface-active agents and present in the form of a gel-like compound, applied to the background surface 3 to be cleaned. This gel-like compound 12 adheres to the background surface, which is moistened slightly beforehand, and makes it possible, after being rubbed in, to dissolve the graffiti 10 and remove it from the background surface 3, so that, once it has been removed, the originally soiled surface is again neutral.