The goal of cleaning is to remove air pollution soiling lichen bird droppings dirt salts and sap it is not to make the headstone marker look like new improper or unnecessary cleaning can accelerate the deterioration of marble and granite.
Cleaning marble granite headstones.
If there is growth remove using a wooden scraper.
Monuments will wear down over the centuries and we are able to restore these monuments to almost new condition.
Supplies vary based on the gravestone material.
Here we ll go over what you ll need for marble granite and bronze headstones.
It is important that you know what type of stone you are dealing with.
We look for potentially damaged areas including stress cracks loose sections biological growth and other factors that might be invisible to an untrained person.
Different types will require different cleaning methods.
Pre wet the stone with clean water.
Gravestones are made of many materials such as marble granite limestone sandstone bronze slate iron concrete and more.
Rinse and wipe the marble headstone once all of the debris has been removed by the soapy water mixture rinse the entire surface of the marble headstone thoroughly with clean water and a clean cloth.
Cleaning a white marble gravestone requires care and some special tools but it is a relatively easy task that can be accomplished in one afternoon.
Steps to clean a marble headstone.
This is the opposite of an all to common assumption that extreme measures given the contaminants should be used on exterior marble cleaning.
Clean a marble gravestone.
How to clean a marble headstone.
Pre 1970s bronze was not sealed and will.
Learn how to clean a headstone without damaging it.
Each of these handle cleanings and subsequent cleaning products differently.
We have worked on restoration projects such as civil war headstones as well as full cemetery restorations.
In addition to our own restoration work we offer quality granite cleaning supplies to restore the stone s natural luster.
Marble needs to be treated even more gently than granite.
For granite see our guide how to clean a granite headstone tombstone.
Gravestones can become covered in moss and lichen and the carved words can become obscured with dirt and grime.
Supplies needed for cleaning headstones.
Ivory or orvus natural bristled brushes.
For marble use the cleaning steps below.
Before cleaning any headstone or monument marker everlasting granite and marble will inspect the gravesite first.
First you ll need some cleaning supplies to get started.
You want to keep the marble wet throughout the cleaning process by continually wiping the marble headstone with a cloth and clean water.