Maintaining headstones

Over time headstones and memorials do get dirty, one of the most common causes being hard water. Cleaning the headstone or memorials on a regular basis will not only prolong the life of the stone but also ensure the stone is in good condition. A dirty headstone may look dull or faded, and by following a specific process you can renew the shine. 

Before you start cleaning it is important to determine what the headstone is made of, the most common being granite, limestone, marble or bronze. Each material will require a different cleaning process and cleaning liquid or agent. Once you have identified which agent best suits the headstones carefully follow the instructions and test on a small area to ensure that there is not reaction or discolouration. 

Limestone, Sandstone and Marble Headstones

These headstones are made of soft stone, therefore gentle cleaning is required. Use water with non-ionic soaps or detergents applied with a natural bristled brush. Do not use a wire brush, acid cleaners or household cleaners as this may cause permanent damage. 

Granite Headstones 

Follow the above guidelines when cleaning granite headstones. However, due to granite's durability, it is all right to use a more aggressive scrubbing. On polished granite calcium build-up from hard water can cause a dull faded appearance. To remove this use a heavy duty non metallic scouring pad, check before using it is suitable for granite. 

Bronze Headstones

Bronze headstones usually consist of a bronze plaque mounted to a base usually of granite or concrete and lay flat at lawn level. Therefore you may need to apply one of the above techniques plus cleaning the bronze. 

Bronze plaques are usually furnished with a factory applied lacquer coating to seal and preserve the original appearance. However, over a period of time this finish will eventually deteriorate. Proper care will preserve the finish and prevent the need for restoration. 

It is advisable to purchase a special cleaning kit for bronze to maintain the headstone.