Tombstones require regular maintenance with specific natural products in order not to damage it.
Maintaining a headstone is a civic obligation . Although the law does not strictly speaking oblige to have to maintain a tombstone properly. The municipality can take over the concession of the tomb if the tomb is abandoned or in very poor condition. This kind of decision is taken more and more quickly because of the limited places in cemeteries in UK. This is why it is important to maintain and clean the grave regularly.
General maintenance of the tombstone:
A grave must be maintained regularly and gently. Unsuitable aggressive products could damage the stone much more than it appears, instead of preserving it. It is therefore the exact opposite of the desired maintenance.
Be sure to regularly remove dead leaves, dried flowers or debris from around the grave, remove weeds. Dust the grave, wash the commemorative plaques or even change the planters if they are damaged.
Cleaning fake flowers: it is possible to wash them with dishwashing liquid or a sponge with clay stone.
Clean a funeral plaque: clay stone, dishwashing liquid or glass product are possible. Be careful, however, to take into account the raw material of the commemorative plaque so as not to damage it.
Regular maintenance of the tombstone:
Regardless of the material of the tomb, this building remains fragile and gentle regular cleaning will be recommended so as not to cause premature wear.
It is therefore necessary to avoid above all bleach, products containing bleach which decomposes the materials and which will weaken the structure of the tomb. The high-speed water jet can also weaken the strength of the grave. It is not recommended to use metal brushes as they may scratch the headstone.
We recommend simple and gentle products such as black soap, baking soda, soft brushes and sponges. Generally this combination of products is sufficient to properly clean the monument. You can also use lemon or vinegar if needed.
Properly cleaning a tombstone, however, requires a little elbow grease, but it will be necessary in order to be able to maintain and clean it properly.
Cleaning stone types:
Taking into account the material of the stone is important in order to use the right gestures to maintain it. Especially on soft and light stones which are often porous. This type of stone is particularly fragile due to water infiltration and easily recognizable.
Pollution also weakens the stone. The maintenance of the stones is generally done with clear water. If in doubt it is best to always wash a headstone with clear water.
Maintain granite :
Granite is a tough material. However, moss can easily grow on these graves. To prevent this, it is enough to clean the grave with clean water or with a sponge with clay stone. You can also clean the grave with water and black soap. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
Maintain marble:
Marble is a fragile stone. In particular because of the limestone, which makes it easily stainable and scratchable. To clean a marble tombstone, it is recommended to use water with black soap . A soft brush can help clean the plaque. It is essential to banish all acidic products.
If you need to clean a colored marble use a white cloth from Meudon and a few drops of turpentine.
Maintaining soft or porous stones:
Like marble, soft and porous stones are very fragile. Due to the limestone present in the light stones, it is recommended to wash it with clear water or with a little black soap. Or, with biocidal water if micro-algae are present on the grave. As for marble, we will avoid all acidic products.
Removing a stain from a tombstone:
If the headstone has stains, it may be possible to remove them or diminish them with a paste . This paste is made up of one-third baking soda and two-thirds pumice powder. Just spread it over the area to be cleaned and let it dry so that you can finally finish with a rinse with black soap diluted in clear water.
Renovate Listings:
If you want to renovate inscriptions on marble , you must first clean and strip the hollow of the inscription delicately. A brush dipped in acetone or white spirit will allow you to remove the residue. Remove excess acetone with a clean, damp cloth.
A specially designed paint will need to be chosen in order to restore the inscriptions. Remember to protect the tombstone with paper, cardboard or tape. Then apply a protective varnish to seal the inscriptions.
