{"title":"Cleaning and Preservation of Tombstones","description":"\u003ch1\u003eCleaning and Preservation of Tombstones, Headstones \u0026amp; Gravestones \u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tDid you recently visit the grave of a loved \n            one only to discover their \n\t\u003ca href=\"\/headstones-s\/19.htm\"\u003etombstone\u003c\/a\u003e was dirty and in need of cleaning or preservation? Over a period \n            of time tombstones will accumulate a layer of deposits resulting \n            from hard water, dust, dirt, lichens, mold or fungus that usually \n            grow on porous stone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tDue to the different types of materials \n            used as a \n\ttombstones, it is first important to understand \n            how each material needs to be cleaned. This article will serve \n            as an overview to the general aspects of cleaning tombstones and \nwill reference other publications for further reading.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMaterials Used For Cleaning Tombstones\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tFirst let us look at the different materials \n            used to make tombstones. Natural stone throughout history has \n            been the top choice for cemetery tombstones. Among the most common \n            types of stone used as tombstones are sandstone, limestone, marble \n            and granite.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tLimestone and sandstone represent the \n            softest stone of the group. These materials have a hardness between \n            3-4 on the \n\t\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/geology.about.com\/library\/bl\/blmohsscale.htm\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMohs \n              hardness scale\n\t\u003c\/a\u003e and were used as tombstones mainly because they are easy to carve. Marble having a hardness of 4-7 is also \n            considered soft, but it yields more beauty with it's veining patterns \n            and finer grain which can support intricately carved details. Granite is the hardest of this group and it shows with \n            a hardness rating of 7-9. Granite tombstones will withstand a \n            more thorough cleaning than its counterparts.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tIn addition to natural stone, bronze has \n            been gaining in popularity with modern day memorial parks as a \n            choice for \n\ttombstones. Many of today's cemeteries are moving \n            toward an all bronze memorial park since they make the grounds \n            easier to maintain.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHeadstone Cleaning Tools and Methods\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tBefore cleaning a tombstone you must first get \n            permission from the lot owner or next of kin, that is if you are \n            not a relative of the person interred. Also tombstones that are \n            to be cleaned need to be evaluated to make certain they are in \n            stable condition with no flaking or risk of further deterioration \n            from the cleaning process.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eLimestone, Sandstone \u0026amp; Marble Tombstones\u003c\/h3\u003e\nFor cleaning the tombstones made of soft natural \n            stone in this group, here is a list of generally accepted items to \n            use:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Plenty of water\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Buckets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Natural bristle brushes\/tooth brushes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Non-ionic soaps\/detergents \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e TLC (tender loving care)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\nHere are some items you \n\u003cb\u003eDO NOT\u003c\/b\u003e want \n            to use when cleaning tombstones as they may cause irreparable damage \n            to the tombstone you are trying to preserve:\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Wire bristled brushes or metal instruments\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Acid or acidic cleaners \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Household cleaners - soap (Ivory), detergents \n              (liquid or powder), Borax, Clorox, TSP, Calgon, Fantastik, Formula \n              409, Spic and Span (or any other abrasive cleaner)\n\t\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Pressure washers \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e Sealants of any kind\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tRather than trying to \"reinvent the \n            wheel\" we suggest referring to these articles as they provide \n            in depth information on cleaning tombstones made from natural \n            stone. \n\t\u003cbr\u003e\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.gravestonepreservation.info\/articles\/cleaning-gravestones-monuments-stone-sculptures\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCleaning \n                    Gravestones, Monuments \u0026amp; Stone Sculptures\n\t\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGranite Tombstones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tWhen cleaning granite \n            tombstones it is best to follow the same prescription for \n            cleaning limestone, sandstone or marble tombstones. Additionally, \n            due to granite's durability, it is all right to use a more aggressive \n            scrubbing technique. You can also use a pressure washer on granite \n            tombstones as long as it is in stable condition and reveals no \n            fracturing or cracks.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tA word of caution, when using a pressure \n            washer be careful if the tombstone's carving or engraved areas \n            have any kind of coloring in it such as black. The pressure washer \n            can and will strip it out leaving little or no contrast for the \n            viewer to read the lettering on the tombstone. Taking this into \n            consideration it is best to use a pressure washer only on granite \n            tombstones that have no contrasting paint in the engraved areas.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tOn polished granite tombstones, calcium \n            deposits from hardened water often leave a hazed coating on the \n            polished surface. It is recommended to use a \n\t\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Cuttlebone\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ecuttlebone\u003c\/a\u003e to remove these calcium deposits. You can also purchase cuttlebone from a  pet store as they are commonly stocked for caged birds. They are very inexpensive and it would be advised to purchase several. To use, simply make contact with the flat side of the cuttlebone to the polished stone surface and rub it in a back and forth motion.\n\t The cuttlebone acts as a very mild abrasive removing the deposits while polishing surface of the stone.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBronze Tombstones\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tBronze \n            Tombstones consist of a bronze \n            plaque mounted to a base usually of granite or concrete and lay \n            flat at lawn level. As a result of being mounted flat, bronze \n            tombstones are more susceptible to standing water and landing \n            debris.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tSince bronze tombstones consist of two \n            components you can utilize the cleaning method for cleaning soft \n            stone for a concrete base, and the polished granite method for \n            cleaning the granite base.\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tThe bronze plaque is furnished with a \n            factory applied lacquer coating to seal and preserve the original \n            appearance. Over a period of time this finish will eventually \n            deteriorate and is accelerated through neglect. Proper care will \n            preserve the finish and prevent the need for restoration. One method to extend the longevity of the bronze finish is to use a spray on car wax with UV inhibitors. It is recommended that the bronze memorial is first washed with soap and water then dried before applying the wax. Rather than spraying the wax directly on the bronze, spray it on a lint free cloth, then rub it onto the bronze plaque and vase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEnvironmentally Friendly Tombstone Cleaning\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\tFor those of you who are interested in a more \n            environmentally friendly approach to cleaning tombstones, there \n            is a rather unusual method of using snails. That's right... snails. \n            Snails are known to consume lichens, mold, fungus and algae. Many \n            of these growths are what causes tombstones to become 'dirty' \n            and in need of a cleaning. You can read the full article here:                \"\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.stonepics.com\/newfoundland_cemeteries\/cleaning.htm\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eA \n              Unique Method For Cleaning Headstones\u003c\/a\u003e\".\n\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReferences\/Resources:\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.interment.net\/column\/review\/ntc\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eCleaning \n            Headstones, Memorials and Mausoleums\n\t\u003c\/a\u003e (book)\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.gravestonestudies.org\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAssociation \n                    for Gravestone Studies\n\t\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/www.gravestonepreservation.info\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eGravestone \n                    Preservation\n\t\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"url":"https:\/\/www.everlifememorials.com\/collections\/cleaning-and-preservation-of-tombstones.oembed","provider":"Everlife Memorials","version":"1.0","type":"link"}