There are a variety of materials from which gravestones can be made from, but by far the most commonly used ones are granite and bronze. This is because of their durability and the elegant look that they offer.
However, though they are durable materials, they do still require maintenance and cleaning. So then, what are the best methods for keeping granite and bronze gravestones looking at their best?
Due to the robustness of granite, you can scrub it clean using as much force as you can muster. There is no need to be concerned that scrubbing too hard will damage or tarnish the gravestone, as this is almost impossible to do.
Should hardened water have left calcium deposits on a polished granite memorial, which can often give a hazy coating, the polished surface can be scrubbed using water and a detergent or non-ionic soap. A heavy duty, non-metallic scouring pad is recommended, although care must always be taken to check that it is safe to use it on granite.
As long as a granite memorial is in a stable condition and there are no fractures or cracks, it can even withstand a pressure washer. However, if any of the gravestone's engraved areas or carvings contain coloring, such as black, using a pressure washer will strip this out, rendering any lettering illegible.
Moving on to bronze gravestones, these are slightly more complicated to clean. The reason being that they are typically made from not just bronze, but also one or two other materials, which are normally used as a base.
The bronze part of the gravestone will have had a lacquer coating applied to it which will seal its original appearance in the short term. However, over time, the weather will cause this coating to deteriorate, and the bronze will then also be susceptible to deterioration.
Using specialized wax is therefore necessary for keeping a bronze gravestone well maintained. This is easy enough to use, and just requires you to liberally rub it on at regular intervals - maybe every 3-6 months.
As these bronze memorials are generally laid flat at grass level, they are more susceptible to falling debris and standing water. A granite base can be cleaned applying the same, slightly aggressive scrubbing approach as used for granite gravestones.
As an alternative approach, which works for both granite and bronze gravestones, some people are 'going green'. Many of the gravestones that appear dirty and beyond restoration are covered by growths of lichen, fungus, mould and algae. The eco-friendly answer? Snails, who will clean all this up for you.
However, though they are durable materials, they do still require maintenance and cleaning. So then, what are the best methods for keeping granite and bronze gravestones looking at their best?
Due to the robustness of granite, you can scrub it clean using as much force as you can muster. There is no need to be concerned that scrubbing too hard will damage or tarnish the gravestone, as this is almost impossible to do.
Should hardened water have left calcium deposits on a polished granite memorial, which can often give a hazy coating, the polished surface can be scrubbed using water and a detergent or non-ionic soap. A heavy duty, non-metallic scouring pad is recommended, although care must always be taken to check that it is safe to use it on granite.
As long as a granite memorial is in a stable condition and there are no fractures or cracks, it can even withstand a pressure washer. However, if any of the gravestone's engraved areas or carvings contain coloring, such as black, using a pressure washer will strip this out, rendering any lettering illegible.
Moving on to bronze gravestones, these are slightly more complicated to clean. The reason being that they are typically made from not just bronze, but also one or two other materials, which are normally used as a base.
The bronze part of the gravestone will have had a lacquer coating applied to it which will seal its original appearance in the short term. However, over time, the weather will cause this coating to deteriorate, and the bronze will then also be susceptible to deterioration.
Using specialized wax is therefore necessary for keeping a bronze gravestone well maintained. This is easy enough to use, and just requires you to liberally rub it on at regular intervals - maybe every 3-6 months.
As these bronze memorials are generally laid flat at grass level, they are more susceptible to falling debris and standing water. A granite base can be cleaned applying the same, slightly aggressive scrubbing approach as used for granite gravestones.
As an alternative approach, which works for both granite and bronze gravestones, some people are 'going green'. Many of the gravestones that appear dirty and beyond restoration are covered by growths of lichen, fungus, mould and algae. The eco-friendly answer? Snails, who will clean all this up for you.
About the Author:
At gravestones.org.uk, we understand the devastation caused by bereavement, which is why we aim to make choosing lasting gravestones an easy process.
