Cleaning Headstones, Grave Markers, Tombstones

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Headstone Cleaning

Cleaning a Bronze Grave Marker

1.
Add 1/2 cup of water to a tablespoon of dish soap in one bucket, and stir with the scrub
brush. Using the brush, scrub the surface of the bronze headstone, using pressure to
remove any foreign material.

2
Rinse the marker by pouring half a gallon of water over the surface, using your other
bucket. If after rinsing the plaque still looks dull or dirty, repeat the scrubbing and rinsing
process. Rinse out the scrub brush and set aside to dry.

3
Spray the plaque with distilled water, being sure to cover the entire surface and letting the
water drip off as much as possible. You now have a relatively chemically inert bronze
surface.

4
Use towels or compressed air to pat or spray away the water droplets remaining on the
headstone. Be sure the headstone is completely dry.

5
Keep the shoe brush close at hand. Dip the wax applicator into the paste wax and pull up
a small amount of wax, enough to cover about five square inches of bronze. Rub a thin
layer over the bronze, then use the shoe brush to lightly brush away any residue so as to
avoid streaking. Go over the entire headstone surface in this manner. Wait three to five
minutes.

6.
Scrub the surface of the headstone again using the dry scrub brush. Then, use a flannel
cloth to buff the headstone, working in small circular motions and using as much pressure
as you would to wax a car. Wipe off any excess wax residue with a clean cloth.

Cleaning Granite Tombstone
Thoroughly wet the stone to start softening any material that is on the stone. The usual method of wetting
a stone is with a bucket of water, but a small pump sprayer can save trips back and forth to the water
faucet, plus gives you a clean supply of water for rinsing the stone. Small pump sprayers can be
purchased at most hardware or rental stores and are relatively inexpensive. It may be something to
consider purchasing.

4
Start scrubbing with just a soft brush and water. Much of the residue on the headstone can be removed
with just water and elbow grease.

5
Mix the non-ionic soap according to package directions. Use this mixture if you find areas that are not
responding to just plain water and a brush. Non-ionic soaps and detergents are pH balanced and will help
to keep from damaging the stone.

Products to avoid are most household cleaners, detergents, and any abrasive cleansers that can scratch
the stone. Stay away from bleach and ammonia as well. Not only can they damage the marker, but many of
these household cleaners can kill the grass at the base of the headstone.

Also, stay away from shaving cream, which gets touted as a fantastic headstone cleaner. It is...it will
remove almost any debris and stain from the marker instantly. However, the acidic cream leaves behind
stone eroding chemicals that will speed the deterioration of the stone. Avoid the easy method and stick
with elbow grease and non-ionic soap.

Stay away from metallic scrubbers as well for removing any organic material or bird droppings. For this
part of the cleaning, plastic scrapers are ideal. They are soft and flexible, get the job done and won't
damage the marker.

6
Use the soft bristled brush to begin scrubbing the stone after the stone is wet and you've applied your
cleaning solution. Use the plastic scraper to dislodge any stubborn material. A soft bristled toothbrush can
be used for carvings and lettering.

Conventional wisdom says to start at the bottom of the stone and work towards the top, to avoid
discoloring the stone as dirty water drips over the unwashed areas. Unless your stone is very dirty, or the
stone dries before you finish cleaning it, this usually isn't necessary.

Also, don't forget to clean the sides and back of the marker. It's easy to forget the back, since most
markers don't contain any carving there, but it's just as important to clean those areas as the front.

7
Continue gently scrubbing the stone, and rinse frequently with clean water to remove soap and any debris
that is dislodged. When you've finished cleaning the entire marker, rinse well again with clean water.

8
Wipe the headstone with paper towels or soft cloths when you've finished. It will keep the stone from
streaking as it dries, and you can tell if you've missed any areas and need to spot clean them.