Plant growth can exacerbate monument deterioration. Although moulds, algae and lichens can create a patina that enhances the aged appearance of monuments, excessive colonisation can obscure inscriptions. Some growths secrete acidic deposits which in the long term may lead to deterioration of stone surfaces. Unpolished Modern Granite:The same as polished. Additionally plain old fashioned cleanser may be doing the best job of all. Comet or common dry cleanser without the extra cleaning crystals works wonders when cleaning unpolished modern granite monuments. Do not use cleanser on polished granite as it may scratch the finished surface of the stone. Ledger slabs are large stones laid flat over the grave. Sometimes you see curved body stones that look like a grave mound.

With bi-annual cleaning, your loved ones’ headstones will continue to be a shining tribute. Let’s get started… After you have thoroughly washed the area on the granite headstone that has the rust stain, rinse it clean several times. STEP 2:Make a Poultice When this happens unexpectedly, it can be distressing for the bereaved. Most cemeteries provide details of their rules, which could help an informed choice to avoid upsetting circumstances.

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Wet the surface to be cleaned before applying Halo. Spray onto the stone from approximately 15 - 20cm working from the bottom upwards one area at a time. Use a non abrasive to gently agitate the area using a circular motion to lift the contamination from the surface. After completion rinse down thoroughly with water to wash away any dirt, contamination and any remaining detergent. Lemon juice is a natural bleach that’s great for removing stains from gravestones. Here’s what you’ll need: Make sure to use a cloth that has no excess fibres that could become loose and be left behind on the granite headstone (e.g. a clean cloth diaper or a clean micro-fibre cloth). STEP 5:Clean Any Inlays and Engravings Over the past decade or so there have been a number of newer products developed which will effectively remove all biological activity from stone and masonry without any risk of harming the stone itself. These types of cleaning products are known as biological cleaners. The first, and arguably best, material created in this capacity is called D2 Biological Cleaning Solution. Is has been well tested and researched by groups such as the NCPTT, National Center for Preservation Technology & Training, with very positive results. It was applied to the Washington Monument in 2013!

Families will be notified by the cemetery owner of any safety issues regarding grave maintenance, but stones and tablets may be laid flat by cemetery staff if they are deemed to be a toppling hazard. Grave maintenance, cemetery rules and regulations Mix 1 cup of baking soda, 5 tablespoons (73.9ml) of liquid dish soap, and enough hydrogen peroxide to give the mixture the consistency of yogurt. STEP 2:Apply the Poultice to the StainIf the stained area is small, you can use a small cloth.If the stain covers a large area, a large cloth should be used. If theft does take place, replacement should in general be on a like-for-like basis, but with additional anti-theft measures, such as stronger fixings. If the theft is repeated, it may be necessary to consider replacing the elements in alternative materials. However, this should still involve traditional materials rather than modern replacements. If a loved one has a granite headstone, this is your complete step-by-step guide on how to clean granite headstones. Supplies Needed for Cleaning Granite Headstones

To saturate the mold or mildew, pour a small amount of the hydrogen peroxide water onto the stained area. But, that’s not to say that commercial cleaners aren’t a good option to remove dirt and stains. In fact, commercial cleaners can be a great choice for those who don’t have the time or the desire to make their own cleaner spray.

You must apply a cleaner like Iron Out that can access the granite’s pores, which is where the stain resides. Do you want to clean moss off headstones or other dirt of marble or granite headstones safely? HG headstone cleaner is made specifically for all types of natural-stone gravestones. With our cleaner it is particularly easy to clean old gravestones. HG headstone cleaner removes deposits and dirt without any problems. If you have a glass headstone to clean, use HG glass and mirror cleaner. A monument made of stainless steel can be cleaned with HG stainless-steel cleaner. Be careful if the headstone consists of different materials. It is often not possible to use two different products at the same time. A large amount of us spend a lot of money on the passing of a loved one. Some of the costs you can’t avoid and others are because we want a tangible reminder of the person once they are gone. A burial plot and a headstone in the local cemetery are the usual methods to accomplish this. Rust from metal flower fixtures on the gravemarker, and moss or lichen are common stains found on marble headstones.

Surface condition noting soiling, plant growth issues, type and extent of deterioration, whether the inscription can be read Wet and Forget is an “everything ok” use cleaning product. It boasts the ability to gently clean more than 30 different outdoor materials including our limestone, sandstone, and marble but does not mention granite. After the mold or mildew is removed from the surface of the granite headstone,soak a clean cloth in the mixture.Written documentation outlining the work, methods and materials used, as well as who and when the work was undertaken. Baking soda: Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can be used to clean dirt and grime from headstones. It’s also an excellent natural deodorizer. Klean Logik produced a headstone specific cleaner that is up for consideration. This headstone cleaner claims to be able to restore the original beauty of a headstone through deep cleaning which is safe and effective on marble and granite, as well as concrete and natural stone. But that’s not all! Cleaning headstones can also help preserve them for future generations. It’s a way to make sure that your loved one’s legacy lasts as long as possible. Put a handful of cotton balls in a bowl. Add in a few drops of ammonia and then add enough hydrogen peroxide to saturate the cotton balls.