Do Gravestones Need To Be Cleaned
- Posted by:
- Admin
- Tags:
- Gravestones, Headstones, Cleaning, Memorials
- Posted date:
- 07-09-2022
Do gravestones need to be cleaned? Are you asking what not to use to clean a headstone? Find out more about cleaning & maintaining memorials and gravestones.
Do Gravestones Need To Be Cleaned?
In this article, we discuss gravestone cleaning methods, which materials need more regular cleaning and how to properly clean a memorial, without causing any damage.
Each cemetery has differing rules regarding materials used for grave markers, and some may even offer grave cleaners. Either way, proper care of your loved ones' gravestone ensures the memorial will last for the decades to come, remaining in good condition and signifying the fulfilling life of your lost loved one.
Cleaning & maintaining memorials
Cleaning gravestones is a delicate task that requires special care and gentle products to avoid causing damage. Each headstone material requires different methods of cleaning and cleaning regularities. Over cleaning, applying household cleaners or using dirty water can seriously damage the entire stone. Avoid using any cleaning products with colour to prevent discolouration and staining.
Memorials are a lasting and unique tribute to a lost loved one, and keeping up with cleaning and maintenance ensures the memorial remains in good condition for the weeks, years and decades to come. Memorials come in various shapes and sizes, some examples being headstones, benches, vases or plaques. The memorial chosen is generally the last wish of a loved one, offering significant comfort to those who visit the grave.
To avoid unnecessary damages, regular cleaning and maintenance should be carried out, some cemeteries or funeral directors may offer cleaning packages, though maintenance is most often the responsibility of the memorial owner. As most headstones, or other memorials, are situated outdoors they can be prone to weathering and elemental damage.
The material chosen for the memorial will affect cleaning schedules and demands, so if the choice is left to you, consider your commitments and availability for cleaning the headstone. Below we offer professional advice on how to clean specific headstone materials, including Granite and Marble.
Using the right tools for headstone maintenance
To safely clean a headstone proper care must be taken, this includes using the right level of pressure, suitable tools and cleaning chemicals.
Using the wrong product, or a harsh cleaning tool can lead to irreparable damage and scratching, removing inscriptions and delicate engravings over time. Even the use of dirty water rather than clear water can lead to headstone damage! To clean a headstone correctly and safely you'll need the following kit;
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Soft brush: To dust the stone's surface before cleaning.
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Soft NYLON brush: Ensure it has undyed or white bristles to avoid marking when removing surface dirt.
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Clippers: Used to remove overgrown weeds, grass and other plants.
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Plastic Scraper: NEVER use metal! The scraper is used to remove moss and other build-ups.
- Old Toothbrush: Used for the finer details or engravings that need gentle scrubbing.
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Spray Bottle: This allows you to thoroughly and quickly wet the stone for cleaning.
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Rubber gloves: To protect your skin if any chemicals are used.
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Protective goggles: To protect your eyes against any harsh chemicals.
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Soft towel or lint-free cloth: To wipe down the memorial before and after cleaning. Or use old towels.
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A bucket: This can be used for water, or to collect scrap plant material such as moss or overgrown weeds.
Just remember to be gentle when cleaning different types of headstones, whether Granite, Marble or Limestone, as some cleaning products and heavy pressure can lead to chipping, scratching, flaking, discolouration or loss of engravings.
Cleaning a Marble headstone
Similarly to Granite headstones, Marble gravestones must be cleaned using clean water and a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid damage.
Marble is a metamorphic rock, meaning it's porous and moisture, or air, can pass through small holes making it less durable than other materials, namely Granite.
This characteristic also means Marble is more prone to staining from chemicals, dirt/grime/mud, flower petals or rust so it's important to keep a regular cleaning schedule.
Marble headstones need cleaning at least twice a year, using the suggested tools, cleaning agents and kit, to remain in good condition.
Professional Marble headstone cleaning can be completed every 5 to 6 years by a reputable company. Your local funeral directors can help locate a memorial cleaning service.
Cleaning a Granite headstone
Granite is an igneous rock, meaning almost no moisture can penetrate surfaces, this makes it one of the most durable choices for a headstone material.
As hard stones, Granite memorials are easier to clean. The cleaning process for Granite is really easy, just a quick wipe using a damp and lint-free cloth does the job.
Polished granite gravestones, or memorials, are even easier to clean. For finer details, a gentle old toothbrush can be used with some clean water.
Avoid cleaning with household products, or other cleaning products, as the harsh chemicals are unnecessary and can cause more damage. Before, and after cleaning a Granite headstone ensure it's rinsed off with clean water.
Harsh chemicals often found in household cleaning products, like bleach or vinegar, can cause large amounts of damage to a headstone slate.
Household products like baby oil or shaving foam, are also suggested by some online DIYers, however, they also contain chemicals that can damage your loved one's headstone or memorial.
Some headstone materials are porous meaning water or moisture can penetrate the surface of the stone, in turn weakening it from the inside. Being absorbent also causes the gravestones to accumulate stains when using some harsh cleaning products, the stone will soak up any colours in the cleaning agent.
Be aware that anything more potent than a small amount of washing-up liquid and clean water can leave a stain on the memorial. If you've used soapy water to clean headstones, make sure the memorials are thoroughly rinsed off with clean water and polished down using a soft, dry cloth to prevent streaking.
For the best results ensure the correct kit, chemicals and methods are used, each cleaning process will vary depending on the type of stone used and type of memorial.
Gently scrubbing the headstone with fresh water and a lack of household products is the best cleaning method, but how can it be further preserved?
Keeping the memorial of your loved one in great condition requires you to pay attention to falling debris, severe weather forecasts and other damaging elements.
The biological growth of organic matter like grass, flowers, weeds, moss and other plants can weaken the integrity of the monument. Furthermore, falling materials like flower petals, pollen, grass clippings, branches and leaves can cause staining if left on the surface of the stone for extended periods.
To prevent the colour from being absorbed by any porous stone, ensure fallen debris are removed as soon as possible; regular visits make this much easier.
Check the burial site for anything that could cause rust, from florist wires to containers for trinkets, these should be cleaned with protected cleaning products and kept away from the surface of the stone to prevent staining. Another damager is leaving the stone wet, as, without proper drying, the water exposed to the air can encourage streaking and staining.
The easiest headstones to clean are polished Granite headstones, what's more, they're the most durable type of headstone material.
The shiny and polished finish means a quick wipe-down with a soft, lint-free cloth can do the trick, though for deeper cleaning some household products can be cautiously used.
When cleaning around intricate engravings or lettering, take extra care and use no harsh chemicals, as this can lead to paint being removed and engravings becoming illegible. Expert advice should be followed to ensure headstones are effectively cleaned. Contact a local funeral director or our friendly team at Memorials For You on 01777 232311.
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