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Headstone Cleaning Tools and Methods
Before cleaning a tombstone you must first get
permission from the lot owner or next of kin, that is if
you are not a relative of the person interred. Also
tombstones that are to be cleaned need to be evaluated
to make certain they are in stable condition with no
flaking or risk of further deterioration from the
cleaning process.
Limestone, Sandstone & Marble Tombstones
For cleaning the tombstones made of soft natural stone
in this group, here is a list of generally accepted
items to use:
Plenty of water
Buckets
Natural bristle brushes/tooth brushes
Non-ionic soaps/detergents
TLC (tender loving care)
For an additional resource on cleaning tools for
tombstones read "Tools and Materials for Gravestone
Cleaning Projects".
Here are some items you DO NOT want to use when cleaning
tombstones as they may cause irreparable damage to the
tombstone you are trying to preserve:
Wire bristled brushes or metal instruments
Acid or acidic cleaners
Household cleaners - soap (Ivory), detergents (liquid or
powder), Borax, Clorox, TSP, Calgon, Fantastik, Formula
409, Spic and Span (or any other abrasive cleaner)
Pressure washers
Sealants of any kind
For a more in depth study on the use of cleaning
materials for tombstones read "Review and Evaluation of
Selected Brand Name Materials for Cleaning Gravestones".
Rather than trying to "reinvent the wheel" we suggest
referring to these articles as they provide in depth
information on cleaning tombstones made from natural
stone. |
