Regular cleaning of a headstone is essential if you want to ensure that it will withstand the test of time and maintain its appearance. Although they are made from resistant materials, gravestones are still exposed to bad weather conditions and pollution. Maintenance is a way to honour the memory of the deceased; it is also a way to prevent that the grave appear to be abandoned, which could cause problems with the concession.
How to clean a headstone? How to clean a blackened gravestone? Yves Légaré tells you more about the products to use and the steps to take for proper maintenance.
Maintenance and Cleaning of a Headstone, According to the Material
Before purchasing the necessary cleaning products, you should begin by understanding which products are best. In fact, the products used and the cleaning method will depend on what the headstone is made with.
Can I wash a gravestone with bleach? This is highly discouraged, and so are acidic products in general, given that they can cause irreversible damages to the materials.
Granite Headstone
Granite is the most common material used, given how resistant it is. How to clean a black granite gravestone, or any other colour of granite? The most common method used, is by mixing black soap and water. Baking soda and clay stone are other products that can be used.
When cleaning, you can use a sponge on smooth surfaces and a soft bristle brush for the other surfaces.
Marble Headstone
More fragile than granite, marble is subject to stains and scratches. You can clean it in the same way as granite, with water and black soap. For optimal results, we recommend mixing black soap with 70 % alcohol.
You can also maintain marble shine by mixing 2 parts Blanc de Meudon with one part soda crystals. Apply the mixture and let it rest for about 1 hour before wiping it off.
Granito Headstone
Granito is sensitive to moss. We recommend cleaning it with water mixed with a biocidal product.
Headstone Made From Porous Stone
Fragile, due to water infiltration, these stones can also cause microalgae. You can clean them with a mixture of water and a biocidal product, like the one used on granito.
Funeral Monuments: Cleaning and Restoring Shine
Eliminating Traces of Wax
Candles can leave residual wax. To remove it, you can rub the surface with a nonaggressive solvent and cloth.
Traces of Rust
Funeral monuments are often decorated with metallic accessories that can develop corrosion. To eliminate corrosion, you should use an anticorrosion product adapted to the material. To clean traces of rust caused by copper objects, you can use diluted ammonia or oxalic acid.
On the actual metal parts, you can use white vinegar, but you should be mindful not to use acidic products on the stone itself.
Cleaning Plants and Mosses
A soft bristle brush and cleaner are often sufficient for moss. You can dilute 2 or 3 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 L of water as a cleaning solution.
In some cases, using a fungicide might be necessary. As always, it will be important to make sure that the product is adapted to the gravestone material.
Removing Limescale
Due to stagnant water, traces of limescale can sometimes develop on the stone. To remove them, you can use Blanc de Meudon or natural fine pumice stone powder.
Eliminating Bird Feces and Dirt
To clean a dirty headstone, begin by removing traces of dirt or bird feces with a spatula. You can then use clay stone and rub gently; black soap can also work effectively.
Repairing Cracks
To fill cracks or crevices, you can use a candle! Light it, then apply the melted wax to the cracks. Allow it to harden, then remove the excess wax with a spatula.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Engravings and Ornaments
To clean engravings, you can use a toothbrush and black soap; cotton swabs and white spirit can also help you remove dirt. For commemorative plaques, you can use dish soap or a window cleaner.
To renovate the inscriptions and engravings, make sure to cover the stone. Clean the engravings with white spirit, then retrace the letters with a marker or spray-paint. Seal the plaque with a layer of varnish.
Accessories and Tools for Cleaning
Before heading to the cemetery, make sure you have all the necessary materials:
- A bucket of water
- A pair of gloves
- A garbage bag (for debris)
- A lot of water
- A soft bristle brush
- Adapted cleaner or cleaning solution
- A sponge
- A cloth or towel
- Garden shears (for weeds)
You can also choose a new funeral floral arrangement to pay tribute to your deceased loved one.
4 Steps for Funeral Monument Maintenance
- Before cleaning a headstone, start by removing debris like branches, and dead leaves or flowers. You can also remove weeds that might have grown around the gravestone.
- Next, wet the headstone to clean off the dirt. You can pour water directly onto it and rub, or immerse the sponge in water and use it to clean the surface.
- You can then use the brush and cleaning solution. Make sure that the cleaning solution is suitable to the headstone material. When cleaning, you can also use a smaller brush like a toothbrush, like for engravings for example.
- Finally, rinse with clean water and dry with a cloth or towel.
FAQ for Gravestone Maintenance and Cleaning
How to clean a blackened headstone?
All you need to do is to mix water and black soap and rub with a soft bristle brush.
Can I clean a headstone with bleach?
No, bleach is too abrasive for natural stone. It might leave stains or change the colour of the stone.
How to clean a black granite headstone?
No matter the colour of granite, water and black soap are an efficient cleaning solution. You can also use baking soda or clay stone.
How to make a granite headstone shine?
Are you wondering how to clean a granite headstone? There are different options. The first consists of applying a small quantity of petroleum jelly or glycerine with a soft cloth.
The second consists of making a paste from baking soda, black soap and a bit of water. Rub the paste over the stone, then rinse. You can also do the same thing with clay stone.
How often should a headstone be cleaned?
Maintenance on a headstone should be completed every 12 months.
How to protect a gravestone after cleaning?
There are water repellent products that can be applied to the stone. You can also protect it by applying a clear wax.
Is it necessary to call on a professional for the cleaning of a headstone?
Cleaning a headstone does not require professional intervention, but this could be a good option if you do not want to do it yourself.
When to clean a headstone?
You should avoid putting cold water on a hot headstone, given that it might cause the stone to crack. This is why it is better to avoid cleaning a headstone on days when it is too hot. Inversely, you should avoid freezing temperatures, since water could freeze inside the pores or the cracks and crevices, and damage the stone. The best time to clean a gravestone, is when the weather is temperate. If you clean it in the summer, make sure to use warm water.
Yves Légaré funeral homes, in Laval, Pierrefonds, Longueuil and several locations in Montreal, are here to guide you through every stage of grief and after. Visit our Mémoire du Coeur store to find commemorative objects and accessories to honour your loved one.
