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How To Clean a Headstone, Tombstone or
Gravestone
By Kendrick Lester
A headstone, tombstone or gravestone is a permanent
marker, normally carved from stone or metal, placed over
or next to the site of a burial in a cemetery or
elsewhere. These stones are meant to stand as a memorial
for the ones whose name are carved upon them.
Although the stone or metal used to create the marker
will last a long time. Years of debris and other buildup
can leave them looking dull and lead to quicker decay.
Some of these stones can be very old, but most all of
them can be cleaned by you for little cost. Chances are
you have all of the needed supplies in your home right
now. If not the supplies needed can easily be found at
any hardware store.
What supplies will I need to clean my tombstones? Well
this all depends on what type of material the headstone
is made of. For instance a marble headstone is more
delicate than a granite headstone and will be sensitive
to acidic cleaners. Wire brushes can be used on some
stones but not others, certainly never used on a Stone
metal grave marker. For more information on cleaning
different types of stone or metal visit the website
below.
Once you have determined what the tombstone is made of
then you can pack up the supplies needed and head to the
cemetery. I recommend always checking in with the
management to let them know what you will be doing.
Also, a sure them that you will not be using any
chemicals that will kill the grass or vegetation, and
that you will be picking up all debris and trash.
Once a headstone is cleaned it will stay that way for
quite some time. Even longer if it is a type of stone
that will allow for a coat of sealant. However, I do
recommend that you should clean your tombstone's once a
year to keep them looking good and maintained. |
