Clean the gravestone – everything you need to keep in mind

A gravestone needs to be washed from time to time to keep it beautiful. Generally, a good rule of thumb is to clean the gravestone once a year. Some relatives think it is important to have a clean and polished gravestone. Other relatives do not think that a little moss and nature do anything. No matter what you prefer, there are things that can be good to know before you start cleaning the gravestone.

In this article, we have summarized important information that may be helpful to keep in mind when it’s time to wash a gravestone.

Different types of gravestones = different ways of washing gravestones

There are several different types of gravestone and different variants require different ways to clean the stone. A gravestone that has a polished surface, for example, is relatively easy to keep clean. This is because mosses and lichens do not get attached very easily. Usually it is enough to clean with lukewarm water and a cloth. Should you need to brush the stone, you should remember not to use a wire brush but instead go for a root brush. It is also important to remember to be careful when washing painted text or other graphics that consist of color.

Gravestones made of composite material are pore-free and thus easier to keep clean. Usually, dirt, microbes / microorganisms and other things do not stick to these. If, contrary to expectation, it is something, it is superficial. If these need to be cleaned, a soft cloth (eg wettex) with water is sufficient. Do not use solvents, scrubs or scouring pads as this may leave scratches on all materials.

One type of gravestone that requires more care is gravestones with carved surfaces. On this type of gravestone, it is easier for coatings (such as lichens, moss and dirt) to attack the surface of the gravestone. It is also possible to clean the stone with a cloth and lukewarm water, as long as you do not go too far between the aisles. If there is dirt that is really hard, you can use a mild detergent.

For some stones, it works to clean it only with water, and a high pressure washer. However, it is important to remember not to spray the water over any gilded or painted text. As a rule, the jet from high-pressure washers is far too hard for the text to handle.

When it comes to really old gravestones, these can be very sensitive. Some are even marked as cultural monuments. You should not wash this type of stone yourself, but it is better to hire professional help.

Clean gravestones from lichens and algae

On all types of natural stone, debris, grass, bird droppings and leaves accumulate which can cause the gravestone to be destroyed in the long run. This is because it promotes growth, which means that there will be lichen and moss on the gravestone. At least once a year, you should remove dirt and any growths on the gravestone.

It is easiest to remove lichens and algae from rocks in early spring or late autumn. This is because it is when the algae grow the most and are then soft, which makes it much easier to get rid of. If you regularly clean the steps from, among other things, debris or fallen leaves, you can prevent the growth of algae and lichens.

Composite stone does not have the same maintenance requirements as natural stone. Rubbish, dirt, grass, bird droppings and the like are superficial and do not affect the surface / integrity of the stone. Of course, it does not look beautiful with dirt on a stone, but composite stone is pore-free, which is because all growth is only superficial.

Washing gravestones with water

Something that many do not know is that water can be harmful to stones made of natural stone. Water is actually the most common cause of damage to a gravestone in natural stone, which many people do not know. This is because water can cause frostbite on the stone, if it gets minus degrees. Therefore, it is important to do it during the summer or when there is no risk of freezing temperatures. Composite stone does not have this problem as it is pore free. Cleaning with water and a soft cloth is preferable and can be done all year round.

Good advice when cleaning a gravestone

• Feel free to use your hands. To clean a stone, it is always best to use your hands or a soft brush or cloth.

• Have flowers in a pot next to the gravestone. Otherwise there is a risk of soaking the stone or possibly getting fertilizer or plant nutrients on it.

• Do not place grave lights or marshals on, or in the immediate vicinity of the gravestone, to prevent splashes from occurring. Stearin can give permanent stains on gravestones in natural stone.

• Do not place a winter wreath or similar against or on the stone. These often contain steel wire, which can start to rust, with rust stains on the gravestone as a result.

Important to remember!

If you choose to wash a gravestone with some type of detergent, it is important that you read the table of contents first. Namely, there are many cleaners that contain the substance potassium hydroxide, which is incredibly corrosive and salt-forming. If salt is formed, certain types of stone can be damaged. In the worst case, the stone can explode if the salt forms crystals.