Used to commemorate the lives of the deceased, headstones are primarily used as a means of marking graves and identifying who they belong to. Since gravestones are exposed to the outdoors, they’re at risk of collecting dust or getting eroded.
Luckily, I’m here to tell you what to use to clean gravestones and walk you through a step-by-step guide to cleaning them effectively. So, let’s begin!
Why Should You Clean a Headstone in the First Place?
Headstones are more than just pieces of stone placed at graves to distinguish them from each other. They’re a memorial of the dead and the impact they had on their loved ones’ lives.
If you don’t keep the headstone clean, it might be deemed as a sign of neglect. Also, the engravings on the stone won’t be visible, making it difficult for you to find your repose loved ones resting place and pay your respects to them.
And that’s why it’s our duty to keep it spick and span. This includes multiple processes, including dusting, wiping, and even washing. So, let’s get into this step-by-step guide right away!
List of Cleaning Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start cleaning a headstone, it’s important to use the right cleaning tools. Remember to stay away from any cleaner that contains abrasive chemicals that can erode the stone and cause it to develop a rougher and less polished look.
Instead, it’s crucial to use a specialized headstone cleaner or a pH-neutral dish soap. Other requirements include;
A Soft-Bristled Brush
Sponges
Dry Towels
Buckets
Trash Bags
Non-Metal Scraper
Oh, and gallons upon gallons of water!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Headstones
In order to properly clean a headstone, it’s imperative to employ a very methodical and assiduous approach.
Now that you’ve gathered all of your supplies and cleaning products let’s discuss the steps you should take to ensure a thorough cleaning session.
Step 1: Move Away All the Debris
Since graves are located in a cemetery that’s open to the outdoor environment, your first step should be to remove debris around the headstone with a plastic scraper.
These could include loose or decomposing leaves, stones, pebbles, twigs, and branches. Dispose of it all in trash bags and tie them up securely.
Once everything looks clean, it’s time to start cleaning the headstone.
Step 2: Wet the Headstone
Firstly, you should wet the headstone. Either fill the buckets you brought with you and pour it all over the headstones or use a sponge, absorb some of the water, and rub it on the surface of the headstone in circular motions.
This way you’ll be able to loosen up and remove the outer layer of dirt and debris that’s caked onto the stone.
Step 3: Brush Off All the Dirt
The next step is to use a soft bristle brush and scrub the headstone as gently as possible. Even a toothbrush can do the trick, given the bristles are soft enough to not cause damage to the stone.
A proper brushing will help get rid of any stubborn spot of grime or alga, moss, and lichen growth on the surface of the stone.
Be patient, systematic, and wary with each stroke. Being hasty and aggressive will only exacerbate the condition of the headstone, no matter how soft the brush’s bristles are.
Step 4: Wash the Gravestone
The previous few steps would ideally suffice to clean the headstone. But if you want to go the extra mile and remove any and every stubborn stain that may or may not be visible to the naked eye, pay attention to this step.
To clean the gravestone, buy cleaning solutions that are specifically tailored for them. Before pouring this all over the stone as it is, always dilute it heavily with clean water.
Using a sponge or a towel, apply the soapy solution to the gravestone. Rinse off the soapy residue with some clean water.
What to Avoid When Cleaning a Headstone?
I’ve already elucidated the do’s of cleaning a headstone. But what about those things you should absolutely refrain from using?
Bleach is another big no-no when it comes to cleaning gravestones.
Using a meager amount of ammonia can be quite beneficial. However, if the headstone is made of sandstone or granite, DON’T use it.
Never use a power washer to clean gravestones. Even though it’s just water, the pressure at which it’s spurted can chip away at brittle gravestones.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to preserve the look of your loved one’s grave, ensure it’s lettering doesn’t fade out, and spare yourself the need to spend a fortune on replacing it.
Let’s Conclude This Headstone Cleaning Guide
That’s all, folks! By now, I’m sure you’ve learned how to clean headstones the right way. Your cleaning efforts will speak volumes about the respect and love you have for the people who have passed on. So make sure to be courteous and vigilant whenever you’re at the gravesite, tackle the buildup of dirt and grime on your loved one’s headstone as thoroughly as you can, and keep frequenting it to pay respects. You could even buy a few wreaths and bouquets of flowers and place them on the monument to show how much you care.
All in all, taking care of a grave clearly doesn’t require much elbow grease. You’ll only need to be consistent and regular, and bring all those cleaning supplies that’ll work best to brighten up the gravestone without causing it any damage. So what are you waiting for? Get on with it!
