If your loved one rests peacefully on his bed, you'll want to take care of his grave. An important part of caring for a grave is ensuring the cleanliness of the tombstone. If you see it starting to get dirty, be prepared to clean it up and make it look new again. Be sure to use the right cleaning product for the type of stone being washed.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Planning a Tombstone Cleaning
Step 1. Make sure the tombstone really needs to be cleaned
The first thing to do is to assess whether it is time to clean the tombstone. Many people mistake the symptoms of wear and tear for dirt. Marble and some other materials will fade over time.
- Conservationists warn of the dangers of aggressive clean-up programs. Any cleaning has the potential to damage the stone, even if you are very careful.
- Try not to clean tombstones as a way of honoring the deceased. If a tombstone doesn't need cleaning, you can find a way to remember it.
- If the headstone has been soiled with mud and other materials, it means you can clean it. Know if you have started to clean the tombstone, this needs to be done regularly.
Step 2. Purchase a nonion cleaner
Time and weather can make headstones look dull. If you notice your headstone is starting to get dirty, it's a good idea to take the time to carefully clean it. Make sure to choose the right product.
- Harsh chemicals can damage the stone. Choose a mild and gentle soap.
- Buy a nonion cleaner. This soap is available at retailers that sell conservation kits and cleaning supplies.
- Nonion soap does not contain harsh salts that can damage headstones. Read labels carefully to make sure the soap is indeed "non-ionic". Ask the store staff for help if you have any doubts.
Step 3. Prepare the equipment
Once you've got the cleaners, it's time to collect the rest of the supplies. You will need clean water. If the cemetery has a faucet or hose that works, bring a clean bucket to hold the water.
- You can buy a gallon of distilled water if in doubt the cemetery has a tap. You'll still need to bring a bucket with you so that the utensils can be dipped easily in the bucket.
- Prepare a soft and clean cloth. You can use an old towel or an old T-shirt.
- Buy a sponge. The Natural brand is the best because it tends not to damage the headstone.
- Prepare a scouring pad and brush. Choose several variations of brushes with different levels of stiffness.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning the Tombstone
Step 1. Check for damage
When you get to the tombstone, take a few minutes to assess the stone. Look for obvious signs of damage. Check the front, sides, and top of the headstone.
- Cracks are a sign of serious damage. Peeling tombstones are also a sign of damage.
- If you see signs of damage, clean them carefully. Damage indicates the stone has weakened.
- Try not to press on the weakened area. It's better to leave some dirt behind than to add unnecessary pressure to the tombstone.
Step 2. Clean the granite headstone
Once you've inspected the headstone, be prepared to clean it. Follow the instructions for use on the cleaning product packaging. Mix it with water in the right ratio.
- Dip the sponge in a bucket of water. Once wet, start rubbing it on the surface of the stone.
- Once you've removed the first layer of dirt or oil, you can now use the brush. Wet the brush, then use it to gently scrub each part of the headstone.
- It's best to start at the bottom of the headstone and work your way up. This step helps prevent streaks from forming.
Step 3. Remove the vegetation
Sometimes you find plants growing on tombstones. Because the tombstone is exposed to natural elements, this is completely normal. Lichens commonly grow on gravestones.
- Lichens are living organisms that are similar to fungi. These living things have a variety of colors, such as gray, green, and yellow.
- You can get rid of lichen using an ammonia solution by mixing 1/5 ammonia and 4/5 water.
- Gently scrub the soiled area with a clean sponge and an ammonia solution. When finished, rinse with clean water.
Step 4. Clean the marble headstone
It is important to know the type of stone to be cleaned. Different types of headstones require different cleaning methods. Marble needs to be worked more gently than granite.
- Wet the headstone first with clean water. If the headstone is overgrown with moss, use a wood scraper.
- Use a nonion cleaner. Use the same method as cleaning granite. Repeat this process approximately every 18 months. If you clean it too often, the marble will weaken.
- Limestone/limestone is another popular tombstone. Clean limestone using the same method as cleaning marble.
Step 5. Use the slug
Sometimes, natural methods are the best way to clean headstones. Some people use snails to clean headstones effectively. This method is the most environmentally friendly.
- Snails eat a lot of material that grows on gravestones, such as lichen, moss, and fungus.
- Make a small tent over the gravestone. Use polyethylene to cover the headstone, and use sticks to keep it on the ground.
- You can find some snails around the grave. Collect them and put them in the created tent. Make sure to make some small air holes.
- Check the snails again after a few hours. If these snails are hungry, the tombstone will be quite clean.
Step 6. Consult an expert
If you are concerned about the condition of the headstone, it is best to talk to an expert. For example, experts will be able to estimate the age of the headstone. He will also be able to determine the material of the tombstone.
- Check with funeral staff for a referral to a contact expert. Conservationists usually know headstones very well.
- You can also visit local museums. Museum staff can also refer you an expert. Be sure to ask for a good cleaning method and frequency for the tombstone concerned.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for the Grave Area
Step 1. Choose the right stone
When it comes to burying a loved one, there are many tombstone options to choose from. It is important to choose the right stone for the headstone. Take the time to carefully consider the right stone for your situation.
- First of all, select the desired type of marker. You can use an upright, flat, or obelisk (cross) marker.
- Select material. Markers are available in a variety of materials, such as marble, sandstone and granite. Granite is a cost-effective and very sturdy option.
- Talk to funeral staff. Check the rules regarding the size and type of markers for graves before buying. There may be rules that must be obeyed.
Step 2. Create a schedule
Headstones do not need to be cleaned regularly. Even if you want to clean grave stones often, resist this temptation. Instead, clean the headstone about once per 18-24 months. Some headstones can be cleaned even less frequently.
- Write down the date each time you clean the stone. This will prevent over-cleaning.
- Talk to funeral staff to come up with a maintenance plan. Some cemeteries may offer maintenance planning services. Thus, they will clean the tomb for you.
Step 3. Decorate the area
Apart from good headstone care, there are other ways to appreciate your loved ones. Try to beautify the tomb according to the provisions of each religion. That way, you still feel connected to your loved ones.
- You can sprinkle flowers over graves and near gravestones. Do it on holidays or birthdays of the deceased.
- You can also leave a small souvenir on the grave, such as a baseball if he is a sports fan.
- Ask the funeral staff for applicable regulations. Sometimes there are materials that are not permitted and must be abandoned.
Tips
- Never use a wire brush.
- Never use commercial detergents as they are hard on stones.
- Do not use liquid bleach. Tombstones have pores and salt crystals will damage the stone.
- Never use a pressure washer on a tombstone as it will erode the stone and accelerate wear and cracking of the stone while eroding the edges of the carving so that they are no longer visible.
