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Graffiti, a problem that's thousands of years old Graffiti, is the act of paint marking other people’s or public property without their consent, has been around for thousands of years, so it’s unlikely we are ever going to eradicate it completely. But there are proven ways to discourage today’s graffiti vandals and protect property against constant defacement. So let’s begin our war on graffiti with these top tips. Is graffiti art? In rare cases, it can be argued that some graffiti has artistic merit. But 99.9% of it is pure vandalism. So, unless you are dealing with a Banksy, Eduardo Kobra, David Choe, Lady Pink or a recognised muralist it is pretty likely that you are dealing an unworthy scribble of a vandal. Graffiti in Australia is a criminal offence and punishable in most states with a hefty fine or imprisonment. It’s also against the law to possess paint or markers with the intent of defacing property. Graffiti laws may vary depending on the state as stated in the following government links for NSW, WA, QLD, VIC, but overall it is a crime. The economic and social costs of graffiti Graffiti costs Australian businesses and authorities around $1.5 billion a year to clean up and control. But there’s also a social cost. When graffiti is allowed to remain on buildings, property and infrastructure, it negatively affects the perception of safety, security and quality of life in that area. It also attracts more graffiti. What is it trying to say? There are various styles of graffiti. The simple one-colour tag is the vandal’s unique signature. Then there’s the throw-up or blockbuster with its characteristic colourful bubble-style or blocky letters. More modern graffiti includes the use of stencils or even posters. The underlying message can be about the individual – the tagger, gang-related or politically motivated. Our message? It needs to go. Be quick. They hate that! Graffiti vandals thrive on seeing their work defacing property for as long as possible. So a great way to ruin their day is to have the graffiti professionally removed straight away. That way, the vandals don’t get the satisfaction of an audience. And they really hate that! How to prevent graffiti? Keep Australia Beautiful’s David Imrie recommends a multi-action strategic approach to prevent graffiti. “Use one of the commercial anti-graffiti coatings on exterior walls, remove any graffiti as soon as it appears and keep the exterior well lit. Good exterior lighting and visible security cameras are good deterrents.” Cheap graffiti protection? Don't make the sacrifice There are two basic types of anti-graffiti coating. A sacrificial coating is cheap and easy to apply, but once defaced needs to be removed along with the graffiti and reapplied. This makes it an expensive choice for areas prone to frequent graffiti attacks. A non-sacrificial coating is a tough, two-part epoxy which forms an invisible barrier which resists the harsh chemicals used to remove graffiti. Applied properly, it can last up to 10 years. Non- sacrificial anti-graffiti paints are also available in most colours. How anti-graffiti coatings contain costs? Concrete, cement and brick surfaces are highly porous and unless they are sealed will absorb all types of paint and marker inks. Conventional paint will seal the surface, but if defaced, the whole area will have to be repainted to avoid a patchwork effect. A non- sacrificial anti-graffiti coating is a barrier between the substrate and the outside word – so only the graffitied areas need to be cleaned leaving the building or structure looking as good as new. For an obligation-free assessment and quote of your premises simply click here. We hate graffiti as much as you do At Kleenit, we’ve been waging war on graffiti for over 30 years and have the equipment, manpower and materials to remove any graffiti from anywhere. We’re also the anti-graffiti coating experts using the very latest techniques using materials approved by the relevant authorities. If your civil project or building needs cleaning or protecting, then call the industry experts for advice and an obligation-free quote.

Quick home improvements that can help with selling your home faster and better A cost-efficient home improvement is a good starting point if you’re planning to put your house on the market, making sure it looks as attractive as possible will help you to secure a quick sale for the maximum amount of cash. Although you’ll spend a lot of time and effort perfecting its interior look, you can’t forget to give the exterior the attention it needs. After all, the outside of the property will be the first thing the buyer notices, and an unkempt, untidy exterior could prevent them from even entering your property and putting in an offer. Below are a few ways you could improve your property’s exterior before putting your home up for sale and handful of information on 2018 property market report. Step 1. Thoroughly clean the driveway and paved areas Whether there’s a stubborn oil stain on your driveway that’s become a real eyesore or years of weathering and use have caused a thick layer of grime to build up, high pressure cleaning can eliminate stains and dirt to give it back that freshly-paved look. No matter what type of driveway or paving you have, from concrete to brick paved or limestone, rest assured that we can clean it effectively. Step 2. Wash your house down Perhaps you hadn’t noticed just how filthy your home’s exterior walls, gutters and roof had become over time. However, the brutal effects of weathering, exposure to dust and dirt, and even cobwebs or animal debris from unwelcome inhabitants will make any would-be buyer think your home has seen better days. Treat it to a house wash down to ensure it looks it's absolute best before anyone comes to view it. Step 3. Don't forget the patio cleaning If you think about all the summers you’ve spent on your patio entertaining family, cooking food and relaxing with friends, it makes sense that it’s probably seen better days. Patio cleaning and paver cleaning can remove any dirt and stains from food, shoes and debris, enabling buyers to imagine spending future summers out there with their own loved ones. Moving house and want to show off your property to its full potential? Call Kleenit now to find out more about the complete range of high-pressure cleaning services we offer. Start getting your property ready for sale today, free quotes are just a click away.

Acting fast on graffiti removal is key! Every business or home can be subject to vandalism such as graffiti from time to time. Unfortunately, this can damage your reputation and alienate customers or make your home or property look downright ugly. For many, the test of how much you care about your property will be in how swift you react to problems such as graffiti. You could have a go at removing it yourself with household cleaning products, over the counter solvents, get out the high-pressure cleaner (see our article on High-Pressure Cleaners) or even paint over it, Yuk Below’s a bit of advice on having a go yourself and some of the problems and dangers. We would recommend checking your insurance policy first. If you cause more damage are you covered? You might even find that you are covered to have the graffiti professional removed. Graffiti cleaning household solutions The first thing you want to do is check if the painted surface is porous or sensitive to chemicals, sometimes trying to fix it without understanding the material reaction can make things worse. If your marked surface is plastic, try first using a simple soap and water solution or a light, penetrating oil. You might find the product used wasn’t permanent and you’re able to lessen the impact. If the marked area is metal, you can try a paint thinning solution or a light, penetrating oil. Over-the-counter solvents to remove graffiti? If you’re struggling to make a dent with household solutions, there is a range of solvents and other cleaning products on the market that can be used for graffiti removal. However, these products can contain toxic substances and are often highly flammable. Make sure you always read the instructions on safe use, wearing the proper eye, skin and mouth protection. These products might also not be suitable for use on worn wood which can absorb the chemicals and the graffiti paint too, making the problem even more ingrained. Steel wool VS. graffiti If you’re prepared to put in a long, hard slog, then it’s possible to remove graffiti using steel wool or a wire brush. Be aware though that this process will take a long time and will leave marks. That’s why you should only use it on a surface which will eventually return to normal through weathering, such as concrete, stone, some metal and outdoor wooden surfaces. High pressure washing to remove graffiti works! A high-pressure cleaner is one of the best means of removing graffiti and can be used on a range of surfaces from masonry to plastic and wood. However, not many people have access to a high-pressure cleaner and may not know how to use one; therefore, you’d be best to use a company offering high-pressure cleaning services for graffiti removal (see our article on High-Pressure Cleaners). When to cover graffiti up? If the graffiti is stubborn, you may decide to just repaint the surface. Of course, this isn’t ideal, especially if the area wasn’t painted, to begin with, however, if you decide to walk this path, make sure you have the closest colour of paint or use a paint matching system. It’s also possible that some of the graffiti will continue to show through, even under several layers of paint. Choosing wisely between, Painting, paint removal, cover-up, or acid wash, acetone and other solvents, sand, or other graffiti cleaning techniques can be the difference between a successful graffiti removal and costly property damage. Remove graffiti the fast, safe and easy way The best way to prevent graffiti from becoming a long-term problem is to deal with it quickly. Kleenit can provide graffiti removal with 48 hours to sites across Australia, using biodegradable chemicals and the latest technology, helping your premises get back to looking smart and professional as soon as possible. We can even follow up with an anti-graffiti coating to prevent the problem recurring in future.

Compliant line marking, keep within the lines of the law Whether you’re marking a thousand bays in a car park or indicating a factory floor walkway, there are dozens of rules and regulations that apply. If you have plenty of time on your hands, you can read the relevant Australian Standards. But it’s probably easier to leave it to Kleenit. Our professional line markers will make sure everything is up to standard and complies with the relevant legislation including disabled parking bays. We provide high quality Line Marking for Heliports, Car park surface and lane markings, Traffic Marking, ACROD (disability) line Marking and more. Pick your line marking paint Line marking paint comes in two basic types. Water-based paints are an economical option for low-traffic areas but for high-traffic or industrial applications, we recommend a tougher, solvent-based paint. We can also supply and apply durable chlorinated rubber-based paints. Typically, line markings last between two and five years before they need repainting. If yours just need a touch up, we can do that too. Hey, that's my parking spot?! We don’t only do lines. We do letters, stencilling, numbers, arrows and symbols too. So if you need parking bays clearly allocated to their commercial owners or apartment numbers, it’s all part of the service. We can even stencil paint your company logo to clearly mark your spot. Parking lots are our favourite blank canvas The question we’re most often asked is ‘How many cars can I fit in this car park?’ The answer, of course, depends on many factors including the width of the bays, how close together the rows are and how accessible the entrances and exits are. Sound complicated? It’s easy when you know how. All we need is a copy of your plans and we do the calculations for you. Stick to the trick and keep the concrete clean Paint doesn’t adhere well to dirty, wet or greasy surfaces. So the first thing we do is make sure the bitumen or concrete we’re going to paint is spotlessly clean. Depending on the job, this might involve high-pressure cleaning, acid etching or even diamond grinding. Our line markers have all the gear and all the experience. Washable walkways and durable line marks In heavy duty industrial applications, the floors can take a real beating from vehicles, oily boots and all sorts of chemicals. Because it’s important to keep your walkways clean for safety’s sake, our paints are not only durable, they’re easily cleaned. Top line marking after hours, we get busy when you're quiet During regular business hours, your car park or factory is going to be busy. And we hate trying to squeeze our line marking machines between parked cars. So we prefer to work when your premises are quietest. That can be during the day for an apartment block, or at night for a retail park. Whatever’s best for you suits us. Call in the line marking experts  

Although many people who suffer slip and fall injuries may have a genuine claim, there is an increasing number of cases where local government departments, councils and other public bodies have become the victims of false claims and expensive “slipigation”. Successful slip and fall claims can result in payouts of hundreds of thousands of dollars. But fraudulent or scam claims can also be very costly and time-consuming. The first step to preventing slips and falls – and avoiding the legal consequences – is to make sure that all potentially dangerous areas are treated with an appropriate anti-slip coating. Understand the environment Make regular, documented assessments of slip and trip risks both inside and outside the building. High hazard areas are those which are frequently wet – like kitchens and washrooms, or smooth concrete outside areas which are exposed to the elements. Access ramps are also prime candidates for slips as are concrete walkways and polished timber or tiled floors. Listen to the location As part of your assessment, you should ‘listen to the location’. Is it often used by elderly or disabled people who are more prone to slips or falls? Or is it a work area where people are carrying big or heavy loads which make a fall even more dangerous. Is it a busy work or high-traffic area that’s prone to dirt, grime or grease build-up on the floor? Recognise your duty of care Your duty of care to both your employees and the public means you must manage health and safety risks associated with slips, trips and falls by eliminating – or minimising the risk so far as is reasonably practicable. It’s your responsibility to ensure your floors and walkways comply with Australian Standards’ anti-slip codes. You’d be surprised how many floors don’t. If you don’t comply, you’re leaving yourself wide open to litigation. If in doubt, get it tested Rather than leave things to guesswork, you can have your floors professionally tested for their slip resistance or R rating. The test uses a pendulum-style meter which gauges the amount of resistance the floor would create under skid circumstances Consider your options There are many ways to make a floor less slippery. One common method is using granules or beads in a polyurethane coating which, when cured, creates a nonslip, sandpaper-like texture on the floor. Other options include hard-wearing epoxy coatings incorporating a fine grit which are particularly suitable for factory or workshop floors. A professional can advise you which coating is most suitable for your needs. The economics of prevention vs litigation Trips, slips and falls are on the rise. Every year, there are thousands of incidents in Australia, 23% of which lead to serious claims. 56% of all slips, trips and falls are caused by environmental factors, such as slippery floors and the average cost of each case amounted to $104,370. As you can see, the cost of prevention far outweighs just one claim against your organisation – be it real, or a scam Get a grip. Get a quote. Given the serious consequences of a slip in your premises, it’s essential that your anti-slip solution is applied by a professional who can assess your requirements, recommend the most appropriate coating – and then apply it so it will meet the necessary codes and last for years. At Kleenit, we’ve been providing Australia with anti-slip solutions for 30 years and have the expertise, equipment and materials to produce the right result every time. Our anti-slip coating services are available in Sydney NSW, Melbourne VIC, Perth WA and Canberra ACT.

Without a doubt, one of our favourite jobs here at Kleenit is a request for a super-clean, just-like-new driveway. Whether it’s made of brick, pavers, concrete or something else, we have the high-pressure cleaning experience, equipment and ability to get that driveway looking like it’s just been laid. But why bother ordering us for driveway cleaning? Is it really that important? Is it worth the time and money? Street appeal is your property mojo Did you know that a huge factor when assessing the value of a home is how it looks from the front? That’s because when you’re selling, many people will be instantly turned off by something as unsightly as an old driveway. On the other hand, it could be one of the ‘first impressions’ that means love at first sight and gets you the house price you’re looking for. Let's talk about safety Something else you might not know is that it’s not just dirt that is making your driveway look dirty. It’s also mould, mildew and even algae – and do you know what happens when these microorganisms get wet? That’s right, they get slippery. And whether it’s your kids, your grandparents or yourself, you don’t particularly want accidents on a driveway greased with oil, fungus and moss, do you? Cleaner driveways mean healthier homes It’s also important to point out that all that dirt, mould, mildew and algae can even be a health risk. The most common health problems caused by this combination are respiratory in nature – and if it’s all over your driveway, chances are it will be all over your shoes… and all over your carpet. So just like you get your carpet professionally cleaned once in a while, it’s also really important to organise some driveway cleaning now and then. Property preservation and longevity Just like you clean your car to look after the paint job, the same is true of your driveway. Your home is your most valuable asset, and a properly looked after driveway will simply last decades and decades before needing to be completely re-done. Further preservation of your driveway can be obtained by applying a sealing or coating, creating a barrier that will keep your homefront in pristine condition and easier to maintain

Highly effective, potentially dangerous High-pressure cleaners are highly efficient at cleaning and removing stains from driveways to bricks. Anything from oil stain or paint removal, to gutter and roof cleaning jobs, can benefit from a high- pressure cleaning service. Pressure cleaners are versatile and offer a great range of solutions for both home and business cleaning tasks. While it’s feasible to buy or hire a high-pressure water cleaner system for your cleaning tasks, it’s good to remember that the cleaning system is, in fact, dangerous when not used correctly, or used by someone inexperienced. There are many dangers of using high-pressure cleaners when you haven’t previously received safety training in how to use high-pressure tools. It’s best to take the risk seriously and enlist the help of a professional to get the job done in a safe and effective manner. Risks are for real Pressure washers use either a gas hose or electric motor to boost water pressure anywhere from 30 to 80 times higher than a normal washer. That’s one powerful cleaner. While extremely good at making cleaning tasks a breeze, you need to consider possible risks when using a pressure system. Potential damage can range from bruises to laceration, skin damage, and eye damage when the spray is misdirected. Thousands of people are admitted to hospital each year as a result of pressure water usage – a shocking statistic considering that the majority of these injuries could have been avoided by appropriate training or use of professional services. Potential injury risk can even range as far as electrocution. When customers don’t take the risk seriously, or treat these tools as toys, accidents are bound to occur. Safe to say, it’s best to hire a professional for high-pressure cleaning services. When selecting a company for your high-pressure cleaning job, what you want to look for is a reputable company that is both reliable and highly experienced in these tasks. Kleenit is a highly experienced company with a variety of cleaning solutions to suit your needs. When you’re in need of a high-quality pressure cleaning service, give Kleenit a call today to discuss your cleaning job.

Act quickly to discourage vandals Graffiti not only looks unsightly, if left untreated it quickly attracts even more graffiti and can lead to escalated antisocial behaviour in the vicinity. Also at their own game, the best way is to remove their handiwork as soon as possible. Graffiti artists thrive on an audience for their work; and without one, they will soon move on elsewhere, Therefore, depriving them of an audience will unavoidably result in a costly exercise for any vandal and a waste of their spray paint. Kleenit graffiti crews can respond rapidly to your graffiti-covered property and restore it to its original condition. So read on to see how the professionals tackle a problem that costs Australia around $1.5 billion a year.

The complete testing and deep cleaning service for meth-contaminated properties ​Last year, Australian police busted 744 clandestine methamphetamine labs. But that’s only the tip of the iceberg as it’s estimated only one in ten labs are discovered. Buyers and renters are increasingly aware of the health consequences of living in a meth-contaminated property and many are now insisting on meth-free certification before they move in. ​We can test any property for drug-related contamination – and, where necessary, deep clean to remediate the home to restore a safe, clean living environment. Meth, an invisible threat to public health The illegal manufacture of the highly-addictive drug methamphetamine – meth, crystal meth or ice – involves a concoction of extremely dangerous and toxic chemicals. And the drug itself permeates furniture, walls, carpets, heating and air conditioning systems and a property’s entire plumbing system and can remain at unsafe levels for months or even years. Living in a former meth lab, therefore, has serious health consequences. Even a property that has not been used as a lab but has seen heavy meth use is potentially toxic. ​Kleenit’s Meth Lab Remediation highly-trained technicians can test for meth levels and then begin a thorough cleanup and decontamination of the property. It’s a highly-specialised and potentially dangerous process that should only ever be left to the professionals. Clandestine meth labs could be operating closer than you think New methods of cooking meth are comparatively odour-free meaning clandestine labs no longer need to be hidden in rural or remote areas. Today, labs are commonly found in city and suburban residences and in sheds, garages and other outbuildings. Some have even been discovered in million-dollar rental homes. The dangers of meth production The illicit manufacture of meth uses a long shopping list of highly-toxic products and dangerous and flammable chemicals including phosphorous, ether, acetone, ammonia, drain cleaner, naphtha, hydrogen peroxide and various corrosive acids. ​For every kilogram of meth produced, it’s estimated that there are six kilos of toxic waste left behind and evident social damage. The invisible, long-lasting menace Methamphetamine vapour permeates almost everything it touches including furniture, carpets, insulation and even plaster walls; and traces can remain for years. The manufacturing process also contaminates heating, ventilation and plumbing systems. Even if a clandestine lab has been operating for only a few weeks, it’s enough to pollute a property with unsafe, unliveable levels of the drug. Meth makes you ill Even small, residual traces of this highly-powerful drug will make you ill. So a home that hasn’t been used as a lab but whose occupants have been heavy drug users poses a risk. ​Health issues include respiratory problems especially in those who suffer from asthma, behavioural changes in children, headaches, sleep pattern changes and eye and skin irritations plus an overall increased susceptibility to illness. Before and after testing When we are asked to clean a former meth lab, our technicians’ first step is to test key areas for contamination levels. We test for meth, MDMA (ecstasy) and heavy metals. This helps us to determine the scale of the problem and develop an appropriate plan of action. It also gives us a baseline level so that we can compare these figures with our post-cleanup test results. All samples are independently assayed by an approved laboratory and can be used, if necessary, for legal or insurance purposes. Deep cleaning and decontaminating your property Before we start cleaning, we remove and dispose of any contaminated furniture, household items and fixtures which pose a health hazard. We also remove any left-over chemical waste or equipment from the former lab. ​​Next, we deep clean every surface that has been exposed to meth using specialist equipment and chemicals imported from the USA. Our fogging technique increases the effectiveness of the decontamination solvents and ensures a quick and effective result. ​​Air conditioners and plumbing systems are also made safe. Swabs are then taken to ensure the surfaces are completely clean and meth residue-free. ​Our technicians use the appropriate safety precautions and protective equipment to guarantee a fast, risk-free result. Discreet, any time meth cleaning or screening services No one wants to find their property has been used as a meth lab or subject to heavy meth use and we fully understand the social stigma and inconvenience this can bring. Our Kleenit remediation technicians are professional, experienced and discreet. They can work at a time to suit you and will do everything they can to expedite a fast cleanup with the minimum of disruption to you or your neighbours. Meth-free certification As the scourge of illegal meth labs sweeps through suburbia, many prospective tenants and house buyers are asking for proof that a property is meth-residue free. ​We can professionally test any property and issue you with a certificate showing the property is a safe, meth-free environment. Who uses our service? Our clients include both residential and commercial property owners, landlords, real estate agents, property managers, local councils and government departments in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne, including regional areas.

Line marking for safety's sake Line marking is the most effective way to protect pedestrians and mitigate hazards created by high energy objects, in contrast, it is often one of the most neglected or overlooked safety requirements in the workplace, car parks or warehouses. In Australia, everyone deserves a safe workplace and it is a manager duty of care to perform reasonable and practical efforts in order to keep surroundings safe or minimise risk and to comply with the WHS Act. This can be done planning, guiding traffic, or suggesting a visible barrier to separate operations from pedestrian movements around the workplace or areas that represent a danger to peoples wellbeing. Line marking to protect and comply We all agree that no business or public space wants to face the possibility of litigation or cause bodily harm to employees or visitors. Without properly marked bays, directional arrows, pathways, crosswalks to identify, advice, guide, eliminate or reduce interactions between pedestrians energy objects, hazards and vehicles, our car parks, workplaces and public areas would be chaotic and dangerous. This means that line marking goes beyond the appearance of your workplace, and although this really matters. Floor line-marking main objective in warehouses, factories, shopping malls and other facilities is, hazard mitigation, visual communication and warning. Why is line marking so important? Defines evacuation paths, should an emergency occur Alerts people to potential trip hazards Line markings in aisles or rows can help avoid collisions from turning corners too tightly Specific hazards like chemical or electrical shock risks can be easily identified from a distance with proper line marking Prevent proximity to high energy objects and identify the hazard(s) related to these. Well marked car parking bays help prevent chaos and collisions Any ground space where vehicles are moving could be a possible collision risk, so line marking is important to indicate traffic direction Line marking helps to identify the placement of objects, like fire safety equipment, pallets, inventory and rubbish bins etc. This is not only important for safety but improves organisation Line markings quickly guide people to emergency first aid equipment and can minimise injury or prevent a fatality. Contributes to the community by providing safe and suitable areas for disabled people, mothers with prams or elderly and senior citizens to name a few. Professionally constructed plans and layouts for line markings are compliant, easy to navigate, indicate the location of equipment, and will keep visitors and employees safe. Motor vehicles are statistically very dangerous Vehicles including powered mobile plant moving in and around a workplace or other areas, reversing, loading and unloading are frequently linked with death and injuries to workers and members of the public. First Kleenit, then mark it! At Kleenit, we offer a variety of floor marking services and a diverse range of solutions that many people would probably either take for granted – or hardly give a second thought, a free assessment or estimate is just a call away. Layout, stencil templates and planning before painting Our technicians can design a detailed, scale plan showing the size, whereabouts and number of car bays. They can even stencil company logos, initials or identifying symbols on to the parking space surface and are familiar with the complex dynamics involved in planning a car park and offer solutions to any job regardless of its size. Afterhours line marking, we get busy when you're quiet We understand disruption is to be kept at a minimum, we understand that sometimes you just cannot stop your operation, call us, with this in mind we will be glad to find a way to get the job done! All our services, where necessary, are carried out to the most up to date safety standards to comply with your business or department requirements. Read more about line marking on our website. As well as line marking, at Kleenit we specialise in epoxy floor coatings, factory floor coatings, anti-slip floor coatings, and a host of other services for factories, shopping centres, parking spaces and businesses large or small. Check out our line marking teams in action on youtube here. Call in the safety line marking experts Kleenit’s line markers can tackle any WHS line marking job, big or small. Anything from a few parking bays in an apartment block through to major retail developments, service station forecourts and multistorey carparks.