Your loved one’s headstone serves as a timeless monument to them. Whether a flat headstone or an obelisk, these hold sentimental and practical uses in equal measure. As such, the thought of dirt and damage to these structures can be worrying.
Additionally, you may not always find the time to visit and clean them. Keeping the stone pristine throughout the year will require considerable planning.
However, cleaning a headstone brings specific challenges to the table. Stone can react in different ways to particular cleaning solutions. Additionally, a do-it-yourself (DIY) project may not be enough to address possible damage. Careful planning will ultimately mean a memorial headstone that lasts for years to come.
Continue reading to learn the steps to cleaning and renovating your loved one’s headstone properly.
Inspect The Stone
Like with any project, forming a plan of action is the first step. The information gleaned from an inspection will help guide your decisions. It can also help you decide whether headstone cleaning is necessary in the first place.
Headstone material appraisal is first on the list. The material you’re dealing with can also tell you what to avoid. For example, marble, slate, and granite are some of the more common choices for headstones. Their durability comes in equal measure to the aesthetic quality they possess.
Marble, in particular, presents some interesting challenges. While it may be the stone of choice for many families, it may also be more sensitive than other options. However, standard cleaning solutions often contain vinegar and bleach. These materials may give the impression that the headstone is clean, but they leave a stain after drying.
As such, gentle tools and cleaning solutions will be necessary. The professionals at Olympia Marble and other experts agree that sensitivity is essential when dealing with stone. Keeping this information handy will be the first step.
Assess The Damage
Assessing headstone damage is next. Exposure to the elements is the greatest threat to headstone integrity. Cracks and fading are a result of this exposure.
Plants also do a lot of damage to headstones. Lichen, algae, and fungi are especially dangerous as they trap moisture on the stone. This leads to softening and possible crumbling from the inside.
Moreover, there can be more than meets the eye when assessing the damage. Wind and rain can quietly soften and erode the soil around the marker. You should immediately take note of these areas when it’s time to renovate.
Prepare Gentle Tools Only
After assessing the stone material and the extent of any damage, it’s time to whip out the cleaning materials. A quick cleanup can make your loved one’s headstone feel brand new.
Your list of cleaning tools can include the following:
- Clean water
- Gloves
- Soft-bristle brush
- Non-ionic cleaning solutions
- Soft rag
It’s important to remember that stone is still a porous material. While solid on the outside, it acts as a sponge that slowly absorbs liquids.
This makes using non-ionic cleaning solutions necessary. These types of cleaners lack harsher chemicals and salts that damage gravestones. Be sure to check labels and avoid using bleach and ammonia-based cleaning products.
Clean The Headstone
Cleaning the headstone is an intuitive process. Simply soak the monument with water and cleaning solution, then leave it to soak for a few minutes. After that, it becomes a matter of gently scrubbing and wiping away filth and grime. Make sure to avoid cracks and other damaged areas to prevent further damage. Finally, rinse the headstone with clean water.
While keeping up a monthly cleaning schedule may seem natural, this won’t be necessary with headstones. Constant cleaning may lead to faster headstone deterioration. With this in mind, simply mark the date of the cleaning. After that, scheduling the next cleanup 18 to 24 months afterwards will ensure optimized headstone cleaning.
Contact A Professional For Renovations
Finally, it’s time to contact a professional for the renovation process. While it’s possible to DIY this part, a professional best handles any damage or dirt that remains after the cleaning process.
The two most prominent signs of damage are headstone breaks and shifting. Large, broken pieces will sometimes need total replacement. Additionally, a fallen memorial presents a safety hazard. As such, calling in professionals becomes increasingly important.
You can check with your insurance plan for renovation coverage. Moreover, the cemetery may have partnered with professionals. Both these options are sure to save you money during a headstone renovation.
A helpful tip is to take pictures of the damaged headstone. This can be indispensable when discussing rates with potential contractors.
Conclusion
Surrounding your loved one’s eternal rest with clean surroundings is only natural. As such, knowing what this entail means opting for choices that benefit the long-term. After all, cleaning a loved one’s headstone can be a cathartic experience for your family.
1 Comment
I found it helpful when you said that you must consider optimizing headstone cleaning by scheduling the next cleanup 18 to 24 months after. My husband passed away 5 weeks ago, and I want to have a custom engraved headstone installed on his grave to properly honor him. I will surely do your tips in order to keep the headstone in a good condition for a long time.