Editing Help:Maintenance template removal

= Help:Maintenance template removal =

Maintenance templates are used to flag articles or sections that need attention. They alert editors and readers to problems like biased content, factual inaccuracies, or serious issues such as libel.

This page explains when it's appropriate to remove these templates and how to do so responsibly.

== When ''not'' to remove a maintenance template ==

Do '''not''' remove a maintenance template just because:

* You disagree with it personally
* You want the article to look "clean"
* It has been there a long time

Instead, review what the tag says and address the issue it points out.

== When it ''is'' appropriate to remove a template ==

You may remove a maintenance tag if:

* You have resolved the issue described
* The concern is clearly outdated or no longer relevant
* There is a talk page consensus supporting removal

Always use an edit summary when removing templates.

== Common maintenance templates ==

; <nowiki>{{Multiple issues}}</nowiki>
: Indicates that the article or section has several problems that need to be addressed. Try to fix each one, then remove the tag.

; <nowiki>{{Stick to the facts}}</nowiki>
: Flags content that may contain opinion, speculation, or editorial bias. Rewrite the section with verifiable and neutral information before removing.

; <nowiki>{{Libel}}</nowiki>
: This template flags potentially defamatory or legally problematic content. Do not edit around it—remove the offending content entirely. In some cases, the entire page may need to be deleted.

== Best practices ==

* **Fix the issue first**. Then remove the tag with an explanation in the edit summary.
* **Use the talk page** for discussion if you're unsure whether removal is appropriate.
* **Be cautious** with serious tags like <nowiki>{{Libel}}</nowiki>—removal without resolution can cause harm.