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Deaf
Smith |
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How to Clean Headstones
Over a period of time tombstones will accumulate a layer
of deposits resulting from hard water, dust, dirt, or lichens, mold and
fungus that usually grow on a porous stone.
Due to the different types of materials used as a tombstones, it is first important to understand how each material needs to be cleaned. |
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Materials Used For Cleaning
Tombstones |
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Among the most common types of stone used as
tombstones are sandstone, limestone, marble and granite.
Limestone and sandstone represent the softest stone of the group. Marble is also considered soft, but it yields more beauty with it's veining patterns and finer grain which can support intricate carving details on tombstones. Granite is the hardest of this group. Granite tombstones will withstand a more thorough cleaning than its counterparts in this group. |
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Headstone Cleaning Tools and
Methods |
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Before cleaning a tombstone you must first get permission
from the lot owner or next of kin, that is if you are not a relative of
the person interred. Also tombstones that are to be cleaned need to be evaluated
to make certain they are in stable condition with no flaking or risk of
further deterioration from the cleaning process. |
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Limestone, Sandstone & Marble Tombstones |
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For cleaning the tombstones made of soft natural
stone in this group, here is a list of generally accepted items to use: Plenty of water Buckets Natural bristle brushes/tooth brushes Non-ionic soaps/detergents TLC (tender loving care) |
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A. Evaluate the general condition of the burial monument.
Do not attempt to clean the monument if it exhibits any cracks, flaking
and scaling, or eroding granular surfaces. Carefully sound (gently tap surface
with finger) stone to determine if there are any underlying hollow areas.
If hollow areas are detected, do not continue with cleaning or handling.
B. Determine the type of soiling to remove it in the most effective manner. Types of soiling could be: Carbonaceous or sooty soiling Urban grime; dirt Organic--algae, fungi, lichens, mosses Stains--metallic, oils, etc. Efflorescence (salts) C. Initiate cleaning process with the least aggressive method--gentle, clean water rinsing. If washing with water alone is not sufficient, carefully proceed with the use of a selected material to facilitate cleaning. Select the gentlest possible method that will achieve a desirable or acceptable level of cleanliness. D. Always test selected cleaning method(s) before general application. Test entire cleaning procedure in a small inconspicuous area on the monument. E. Pre-wet monument with water before the application of any chemical cleaning solutions. Pre-wetting prevents excessive penetration of cleaning solutions and soiling into the stone, and facilitates softening of soiling. F. Clean from the bottom to the top of the monument to avoid streak staining on the stone. Periodically rinse runoff. G. Always rinse thoroughly with water. Residues from chemical cleaning solutions can create a blotchy appearance, provide mediums for bacterial action, and cause staining. Do not allow cleaning solutions to dry on a monument. H. Do not assume that a cleaning procedure that is effective in one specific case is therefore applicable for all cleaning situations. |
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Here are some items you DO NOT want to use when cleaning tombstones as they may cause irreparable damage to the tombstone you are trying to preserve:
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