Cleaning of Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments
December 15, 2008
I often observe Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments neglected and are dirty, soiled by birds and grass, and damaged by ants. It is important that a family preserves a loved one’s Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments. Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments look best when they are sparkling and dirt free.
Ants
A family needs to take care of unwanted ants that often build mounds around graveyards. To avoid discoloration of the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments; be careful to keep the spray off them. Destroy those pesky ants before they damage the foundation or stain the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments. Visiting loved ones is not pleasant with the hurt of ant bites. Cemetery maintenance is the responsibility of everyone, especially the family.
Warnings with Cleaning Instructions
The cleaning instructions for Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments have warnings for your annual cleaning. Beware of chemicals; usually the use of chemicals is best left to the pros.
Cleaning Procedures for Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments
- Do not apply cleaning solutions to hot surfaces on Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments on a hot day. Best time for cleaning is a cool, early morning.
- Before cleaning, check the condition of the memorial for stains that may require special attention before cleaning.
- Check the joints of the upright and base, as they should be repaired before starting the cleaning process. Cleaning solutions will seep through the breaks, under the die, creating streaks in the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments.
Cleaning Process for Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments
- Wet the entire Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments thoroughly. Clean only on a cool, cloudy day.
- If the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monument are small, clean the entire base first, and then the upright monument. Clean the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monument in sections, just like waxing a car. Rinse as each section is completed. 15 gallons of water is needed for a 3-foot monument and base.
- Keep the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments wet with clean water during the cleaning process. Start from the bottom and work up to the top.
- Be sure to clean only one section at a time, rinsing when clean.
- Never let the cleaning solution dry on the Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments.
- Never allow any portion of the monument to dry out during the cleaning process.
- Always work with a mild chemical, (I believe hot soapy water is best) progressing to a stronger concentration only when needed. After the entire Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments has been cleaned, rinse thoroughly with a hose or, if possible, with a pressure washer. High pressure water will help reduce the hard scrubbing required on many older monuments.
- After cleaning, and rinsing, use a solution of soda and water solution to neutralize and remove any remaining chemical with a baking soda solution. Use this same solution to clean other Headstones, Grave Markers, Gravestones, and Monuments that may have been exposed to your cleaning solution.
Buckets of clean water and a soft brush can do wonders on most newly designed monuments. Care should be taken to use clean water, as water lines in cemeteries may be rusty. If cemetery water is used, it is important to run the water long enough to allow rusted water to be discharged from the lines.
Also, chemicals used in city water may react unfavorably with some cleaning materials. Where possible, use spring or rain water. Soda is an effective powder for negating the acid deposit in cleaning compounds.
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