Cleaning Headstone, Memorials and Mausoleums Manual
In a recent visit to a local cemetery I noticed how dirty and stained many of the headstones and mausoleums had become. I could not believe the condition of many of them. and wondered who was suppose to take care of them. I located someone from the cemetery and asked who was responsible for cleaning and maintenance of all the headstones and mausoleums? There response was that the family is responsible. He went on to say that the only responsibility they had was for the grounds. The upkeep of the grass and roads, etc. I could not believe this so I ask him: If someone wanted to clean a headstone and asked you , do you know what to tell them to use? He said I don’t know, maybe a wire brush or something. That afternoon I went home, logged onto the internet and tried to locate some information on cleaning headstone, memorials and mausoleums. I found very little. A search at several book sites also had nothing. Since I am a stone expert and believe that there are many families who need to know how to clean and care for their deceased relatives headstone, memorial or mausoleums, I wrote the following book to provide the proper cleaning procedures that will not destroy the beautiful stone that these monuments are made from. By the way DON’T EVER use a wire brush to clean any stone surface.
STONE TYPES
Stone headstone, monuments & mausoleums are general composed of either granite, marble and occasionally limestone and sandstone. Perhaps the most important aspect of care is knowing the various types of stone, and their characteristics and maintenance requirements.
Why is this knowledge so important? Because certain cleaning chemicals that can be used very safely on some stone can be extremely destructive on others. For example, there are several stone cleaners that are designed for cleaning granite; these chemicals typically contain acids, which are harmful to marble. If used on a polished marble surface, they will undoubtably dull it, and repairing the damage can be costly. So before you rush out and buy just any stone cleaner, make sure you know exactly what type of material you’re going to be dealing with. The following guide should help with identification; if you’re still in doubt after reading it, consult your local stone supplier or ask the management at the cemetery.
MARBLE
There are over eight thousand types of marble on the market today, and the number continues to grow. It would be impossible to list every available type, but there are some common characteristics that make it fairly easy to identify marble.
Marble is commercially defined as any limestone that will take a polish. Limestones, and therefore marbles, are composed of minerals of calcite or dolomite. Marble in its purest state is white; colored marbles are the result of other minerals being mixed with the calcite or dolomite.
Now for those of you who don’t really care what marble is made of, there are some other commonly recognizable characteristics:
Marble, no matter what the color, will usually have some type of veining running through it; the veins are usually different in color then the main color of the stone. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. Some marbles, such as Thassos White will exhibit little or no veining.
Marble is relatively soft when compared to other stones, such as granite. It will scratch very easily. If you run a knife blade lightly across the surface of the stone and it leaves a scratch, you are very likely to be dealing with marble. Warning, If you scratch marble the only way to repair it is to have it refinished.. If you need to determine how easily it will scratch, pick an inconspicuous spot, such as the side of the monument or the back side.. On dark marbles, these scratches will appear as light lines on the surface of the stone; on lighter-colored marbles it may be difficult to detect a scratch.
Marble is also very sensitive to acidic chemicals. Vinegar, for example, is acidic, and will leave a dull spot on marble. It is extremely important to keep any marble headstone or monument out of contact with the following acidic materials: lemon cleaners, tile cleaners like Tile X, the various mildew removers, acidic toilet bowl cleaners, cleaners containing lemon, pool pH decrease (muriatic acid), driveway cleaners, and, as noted, vinegar. Most products that contain acids will have their ingredients listed on the label. For easy reference, Table #1 lists the acids you may find on such products; avoid using them on or near any marble surface.
If the monument is located in an area that receives acid rain, the marble will become dull and pitted. If this is the case, the marble will need to be repolished on a regular bases. Unfortunately, there are no products at this time that can be applied to the marble to prevent damage caused by acid rain.
GRANITE
Like marble, granite is a natural stone which occurs in many colors. There, however, the similarities stop. Unlike marble, granite is composed of different minerals with different properties. It is chiefly made up of 30% quartz and 60% feldspar; both substances are much harder than the calcite in marble, and for this reason, granite is much more difficult to scratch than marble. Granite is highly resistant to most acids, and will not etch and leave dull spots as they do on marble. There is only one acid to avoid: hydrofluoric acid, which is found in most rust removers. Granite rarely exhibits the veining characteristics of marble. It contains crystals which are very distinct, often giving the appearance of small to medium-sized stones compacted together. There are some exceptions. Blue Azul, for example, has a vein-like pattern, but if the veins are examined closely, they will also be seen to contain small, distinct crystals. Granite is an excellent choice for headstones and memorials, especially in acid rain regions, where it will be exposed to acidic rain water
LIMESTONE
Limestone is not a marble, but marble is a limestone. Let me clarify this. Limestones are made up of calcite from shells, coral and other sea debris. They are what we call sedimentary rocks—that is, they have been formed by the breakdown of other rocks, shells, etc. Marbles are limestones that have been subjected to great heat and pressure and as a result, have changed (metamorphosed) into marble.
What difference does this make? There are several differences, and they are very important. Limestones are usually loosely held together, and may differ in porosity from marble. The coarse grain of some limestones give them excellent durability. Limestones can contain numerous fossil impressions that are well preserved. If a piece of stone has various shell or animal-like patterns there’s a very good chance that it’s limestone. Limestones come in various colors, but most are shades of brown or tan, with some leaning toward gray and red. All seem to fall into the earth-tone color range.
SANDSTONE
Sandstone can be found in older headstones and it is rarely used today. Composed primary of quartz, it is loose and rough in texture. As its name implies, it has the appearance of sand crystals cemented together. It is also acid-resistant, and very rarely is polished.
CLEANING MISTAKES- WHAT NOT TO USE
It surprises me how many times I have seen the wrong chemical or equipment used to clean headstones, memorials and mausoleums. Often the wrong chemical or cleaning method can permanently damage stone headstone, monuments and mausoleums. Not only is the mistake made by the average citizen, but I have seen cemetery personnel and even so call stone cleaning specialist ruin the stone. With that said the following are chemicals, equipment and cleaning methods that should never be used on any stone headstone, monument or mausoleums:
Abrasives-
Abrasives of any kind should never be used to clean stone. Abrasives include sand blasting, sandpaper, diamond abrasives, wire brushes, powdered abrasives such as Comet, Ajacks, etc.,
Abrasives should only be used by professional stone restoration personnel and only to restore the monument. Abrasives of any type should never be used to clean any stone headstone, monument or mausoleums. The reason not to use abrasive is simple. An abrasive works by removing the surface of the stone. Often this opens the pores of the stone and allows water, soil and other contaminants to enter. These contaminates will cause the stone to pit and flake and in many cases will cause irrepairable damage.
Acids
As I mentioned in chapter one, acid will destroy marble but acids can also effect and destroy granite, limestone and sandstone. I have seen where swimming pool acid(hydrochloric and muriatic acid) severely stain many granite surfaces. There are even some stone cleaners that are acid based. Acids should only be used by qualified stone restoration personnel. See the chart in chapter one on products and acid names.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing uses water at pressures in the range of 1000-3000 PSI(pounds per square inch). The pressure produces can cause the stone to flake. I have even seen stone headstones that will peel off in layers when pressure washed. The maximum pressure I would use on these stone surfaces should not exceed 60PSI. To be safe, the pressure from an ordinary garden hose nozzle would be the highest pressure to use.
Heat and Torches
I have had cemetery personal tell me that they have removed stains, etc using a normal propane torch. Never use a torch of any type on stone surface. Granite is especially sensitive to high temperature. If a torch or flame is applied to a granite surface, the granite can be damaged. This is especially true of polished granite.
Misc Chemical Cleaners
There are numerous chemicals that can be purchased at grocery stores and home centers that can damage stone surfaces. A cleaner that is safe for your wood floor or Formica counter top can be damaging to stone headstones, monuments and mausoleums. Use only chemicals designed for stone surfaces.
STEP BY STEP CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Before you start cleaning any headstone, memorial or mausoleum you need to inspect its condition throughly. If there are any loose sections or the stone appears to be crumbling, do not clean it. Cleaning could cause further deterioration of the stone.
You should also get permission from the cemetery if possible. This is especially true if you are cleaning a headstone of someone who you did not know. You may need to contact the family for permission.
Tools and equipment you will need:
Water containers filled with water
Large sponge
Soft bristle brush or wisp broom
Soft nylon scrub brush
Cleaner- A neutral stone cleaner or a liquid dishwashing detergent.
Garden sprayer(optional)
Clean white rags
Several buckets
Do not forget to bring, gloves, bug spray and drinking water, sunscreen and a first aid kit.
Cleaning Procedure
Step 1. Brush all debris and loose material off of stone with a soft wisp broom or dust pan brush. If there are any lichens or heavy crust of mold etc, remove it by scraping with a plastic putty knife. NEVER, EVER use any metal tools.
Step 2. Wet stone with clean water. Use water only with no cleaner. You can use a large sponge or a garden sprayer. Be sure to saturate the stone with plenty of water. This will fill the pores of the stone and allow the dirt and soiling to ne removed easilier.
Step 3. Mix the stone cleaner according to the directions on the label. If using liquid dish detergent mix two to three tablespoons of detergent per gallon of water. If stone is extremely soiled, add a cup of ammonia to this mixture.
Step 4. Apply the cleaner solution to the stone using a soft nylon scrub brush. Start from the bottom of the stone and work your way to the top. Allow solution to sit on the stone surface for several minutes. After several minutes gently scrub the stone with the scrub brush. If the stone is very porous, the solution may dry. If this is the case apply more of the cleaner solution.
Step 5. Once the stone has been cleaned rinse with plenty of clean water.
Step 6. Examine the stone once it has time to dry. Drying make take a day or more. If there are any stains refer to the chapter on stain removal. If no stains are present and you wish to seal the stone refer to the chapter on protection.
STAIN REMOVAL AND PROTECTION
How do you go about removing that deep grass stain? What do you use to remove black marker ink from the face of the headstone? Does mud stain? How do I remove rust? The list can go on and on.
Removing stains from marble, granite, limestone and sandstone headstones, monuments and mausoleums can prove difficult. There are, however, several precautionary measures you can take:
Any spill should be cleaned as soon as possible. Blot spills with a paper towel or clean rag. At this stage, it is important only to blot; wiping a spill may spread it over a larger area, making a larger mess. Use only cold water and stone soap or a neutral cleaner. Rinse the area several times. If a stain is still present, a chemical poultice may have to be applied.
Avoid using chemicals of any kind until you know which chemical cleaner to use. Certain chemicals will react with the spilled material, and could make the stain permanent.
Marble, granite are porous materials. If not thoroughly sealed, they will stain. The only way a stain can be removed is to literally pull it out of the stone with both a chemical and material that will absorb the stain. This chemical absorbent-material combination is what we call a poultice.
Poultices are commonly powder or cloth materials that can be mixed with a chemical and placed on top of the stain. Refer to the table below for some of the more common poultice materials. Clays and diatomaceous earth are safe and readily available, but do not use whiting or clays containing iron with an acidic chemical; iron will react with the acid, and may cause rust staining. It is best to purchase powders that are designed specifically for stone and tile. Consult a stone restoration specialist or your stone supplier if in doubt.
Poultice materials:
Paper towels
Cotton balls
Gauze pads
Clays such as attapulgite, kaolin, fuller’s earth
Talc
Chalk (whiting)
Flour
Diatomaceous earth
Methyl cellulose
How to apply a poultice
Before you attempt to remove a stain, it is extremely important to know what has caused it. If you don’t know, I would recommend that you consult a stone specialist, or refer to my book on stain removal for a detailed description of the procedure.
To apply a poultice, take the following steps:
Clean the stained area with water and stone soap or neutral cleaner. Remember to blot rather than wipe.
Pre-wet the stained area with a little water. Distilled water is recommended.
Refer to the stain type section and determine which chemical to use for the stain.
Mix the poultice material with the selected chemical. Mix until a thick peanut-butter paste consistency is obtained.
Apply the paste to the stained area, overlapping the stain by at least ¼ inch. Do not make the application too thick, or it will take a long time to dry.
Cover the paste with a plastic sandwich bag or food wrap. Tape the plastic using a low-contact tape.
Allow the paste to sit for 12–24 hours.
Remove the plastic cover and check to see if the paste has dried. If it has not, allow it to sit uncovered until thoroughly dry.
Once it is dry, remove the paste by scraping and rinse the area.
Examine the stain. If it still remains, but is somewhat lighter, re-poultice until it is gone. If the stain refuses to disappear completely, it is time to give up, or call a stone specialist.
Stain removal can be very difficult, and care must be taken when using a poultice. The following stain removal chart represents only a small sampling of the chemicals that are available for stain removal; a complete guide can be found in my book on the subject.
Common Stains and Their Removal
Algae
Algae appears as a green colored slime. Algae grows in the presents of moisture and will often be found growing in areas where there is some direct sunlight on the stone surface.
To remove algae, clean the stone as outlined in Chapter 2. If the algae has penetrated below the surface of the stone, then a poultice may need to be applied using bleach. Apply the poultice as outlined in the poultice application instructions above.
Lichens
Lichens are a biological growth that is a combination of a fungus and algae. Lichens can be green, red, brown and almost any other color. Lichens can be removed by scraping with a plastic putty knife. Once removed, the lichens can leave a mark. This mark is caused by acids that are secreted by a reaction with the stone and the lichen. This mark can only be removed by refinishing , which should be performed by a professional stone restoration company.
Grass and Vegetation
Grass, weeds and other vegetation can leave what is normally a green colored stain. These stains are very common where there is rich soil and the grass around the memorial is mowed often. To remove grass stains, first try the cleaning method in chapter 2. If this fails then deep grass stains will require a poulticing with hydrogen peroxide.
Rust
Rust is often caused by irrigation systems. The water contains iron which sits on the stone and causes the brown to red discoloration that is observed.
Rust can be very difficult to remove. Many of the products sold for rust removal contain harmful acids that can damage the stone surface. To remove rust I like a product that can be purchased at most home centers and hardware stores. The product is Iron Out and can be found in the plumbing department. First try mixing a small quantity of Iron out in water and scrubbing the stone as outlined in chapter 2. In other words in place of liquid dish detergent replace with Iron out. Do Not mix the iron out with detergent, ammonia or any other chemical. If this fails to remove the rust, then mix a poultice using 1/3 iron out to 2/3 diatomaceous earth. DO NOT use clay powders, they can react with the iron out and cause a bigger stain. The poultice can damage polished surfaces, so I would test in a small area before treating the entire stone.
Soil, Mud Etc.
Soil and mud staining will vary from region to region. In the Southern US, red clay can be specially damaging. To remove dirt and the stain caused by dirt, first clean entire area with cleaning procedure outlined in chapter 2. If a stain is left behind then poultice using ammonia.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can appear in many colors. The most common mildew seen on stone is black in color. To remove mildew following the procedure outlined in chapter 2. For stubborn mildew stain a poultice using household bleach should work. Be sure to rinse with plenty of water after removing the poultice.
Tar
Tar is rarely found on stone monuments, however, there are times when construction to nearby buildings can cause tar to be splattered on the monument. To remove tar first scrape as much off as possible with a plastic putty knife. Remove the remaining tar residue with a white rag and some paint thinner.
Hard Water Deposits
Hard water deposits will appear as a white film or in extreme cases a heavy white crust. To remove hard water deposits first try scraping as much as possible of with a plastic putty knife. Avoid using any metal scraper or knife. You can damage the stone with metal objects. To remove the remainder of the deposit you will have to use a mild acid. I do not normally recommend using acids on stone due to damaging the stone. However, in this case, acid is the only chemical that will remove the deposits. Try using a mild acid such as vinegar. Wipe the deposit with vinegar and a clean white rag. The vinegar will etch and dull marble but should not effect granite.
Moisture
Moisture is often mistaken for stains. Note the dark halo around the outside perimeter of the headstones in figure 17 above. The edges of the granite headstone are rough and more porous then the polished surface. Water migrates into the stone appearing as a dark halo. This moisture halo will eventually dry out.
Removing Graffiti
Unfortunately, graffiti as well as vandalism is a major problem with a lot of cemeteries. The secret to removing graffiti is to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer graffiti stays on the stone surface, the deeper it can penetrate into the stone making removal difficult. The following are some common graffiti types and how to remove them.
Spray Paint
To remove spray paint first try the cleaning method outlined in chapter 2. Sometimes, spray paint will be removed with a simple cleaning. If the spray paint is stubborn or has been on the stone for a while, try wiping the paint with some paint thinner. If the paint has penetrated the stone a poultice using paint thinner will be necessary.
Permanent marker and Ink
Felt tip makers and other ink markers are easy to obtain and are often used to mark stone. To remove ink first try the cleaning method outlined in chapter 2. If this fails, next try wiping the ink with some acetone and a clean rag. If this fails a poultice with a strong ink remover such as methylene chloride will be necessary. These ink removers are very nasty chemicals. Read all label cautions carefully.
Pencil
For pencil marks first try using a pencil eraser. If this does not remove the pencil marks, then wipe with some denatured alcohol. If the pencil has penetrated the stone, then a poultice with denatured alcohol will be needed.
For other stain types and their removal see my book Stain Removal for Stone, Tile and Concrete-ISBN 1-892690-07-1
SEALERS, WAXES AND IMPREGNATORS
There are hundreds of brands of waxes, and sealers on the market today. Some are good, while others are not so good. Before you can choose the best product to use, you first need to determine whether the headstone, memorial or mausoleums needs a wax or sealer. Some stones have very low absorption, and will not need any wax or sealer; some, can be very porous, and will definitely require some type of a sealer.
Waxes and sealers serve two purposes: they provide protection to the surface against staining, and they may improve the shine. To make matters more confusing, some products on the market offer only protection, while others only add shine. All sealers, however, fall into one of two general categories. They are either coatings or penetrating sealers—often called impregnators.
COATINGS
Coatings are sealers that place a sacrificial coating on the surface of the stone or tile to act as a barrier to prevent water, oil and dirt from penetrating and staining it. Coatings are usually described as waxes, sealers, floor finishes, polishes, etc.
Coatings should never be used on headstones, memorials or mausoleums. Coatings will seal moisture in the stone . If this moisture is sealed in, it can cause salts and other contaminants to become trapped and the stone will begin to rot.
Headstones, memorials and mausoleums should never be painted. I have seen stone painted in an attempt to improve the appearance. Painting is only a temporary fix. Paint is a coating and will not allow the stone to breathe. Damage will be eminent. See photo below.
PENETRATING SEALERS
As their name implies, impregnators or penetrating sealers are designed to penetrate below the surface of the stone and either deposit solid particles in the pores of the stone, or coat the individual minerals below the surface. Penetrating sealers work by restricting water, oil and dirt from entering the stone.
There are many brands of penetrating sealers/impregnators on the market. They can be solvent-based or water-based, and generally contain silicone, siloxane, silane, methyl silicate or other silicone derivatives. Occasionally you will hear them called silicone sealers. Penetrating sealers also fall into two categories: water-repelling (hydrophobic) and oil-repelling (oleophobic).
Water-repelling penetrating sealers are designed to repel only water and the contaminants carried by water.
Oil-repellant penetrating sealers will repel water as well as oil-based contaminates.
A word of caution: most penetrating sealers are designed to be either water- or oil-resistant, not water- or oil-proof. If a liquid is left on the stone long enough, it will eventually penetrate and stain. Penetrating sealers are designed to give you time to clean up the mess before staining occurs. Nor are they designed to prevent acid etching; acid rain will etch the surface of most marble and limestone, whether sealed or unsealed.
Rarely would you need an oil repellent impregnator. Most of the damage caused to headstones, memorials and mausoleums are water based. Rust from sprinkler heads and contaminants carried by rain are the main enemies of stone. Use only a water repellent.
Should You Seal Headstones, Memorials and Mausoleums?
Generally, the answer would be NO. There are however some exceptions. If the headstone is severely deteriorated or crumbling, a sealer or what is known as a consolidating sealer can be applied. A consolidating sealer is designed to re-cement loose particles of stone together.
Another exception would be to seal the stone before it is in place. This is rarely done and can sometimes cause more problems then it prevents.
You should consult a professional stone restoration company and you should never attempt to apply these treatments yourself. Professional stone restoration companies can be found in the contractors directory at www.ntc-stone.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: How often should I clean a headstone?
Answer: Marble, limestone and sandstone are delicate materials and the cleaning process alone can cause further damage. For this reason I would only clean them about once every two years. Granite is much harder and less susceptible to water damage and can be clean more often if needed. About once per year.
Question: Our fathers headstone is in need of repair. A corner of the marble has falling off. How do I reattach it?
Answer: Unless you know what you are doing it is best to have a professional restoration company do the repair. Repairing will require glueing the broken piece with a UV resistant epoxy. If the piece is very large it may have to have pins or dowels inserted to hold the broken piece on.
Question: I have heard the word “rubbing” and was wondering what it is?
Answer: Rubbing is the transfer of the headstones inscription to a piece of paper. In other words a piece of paper is placed over the inscription and rubbed to transfer the inscription. Rubbing in some states is not allowed since rubbing can damage the stone. If you would like to perform a rubbing safely I would refer you to the web site http://www.savinggraves.com/rubbings.htm for complete instructions on rubbing.
Question: There is a cherry tree located above our families headstone and the cherries drop on the granite stone and stain it. How do I remove these stains.
Answer: Cherry stains can be removed using a poultice with hydrogen peroxide. See the section on stain removal for instructions on applying a poultice.
Question: The face of a white marble headstone has lost its high shine. How can I restore the shine?
Answer: The marble will need to be repolished using a polishing compound. If it is severely worn, it may need to be resurfaced. This is not a job for the do it yourselfer. I would call a professional stone restoration company to perform this work.
Question: Where can I find a qualified contractor to do some repairs on our families mausoleum?
Answer: There is a complete list of stone restoration contractors on our web site at www.ntc-stone.com. I would suggest you call several to get a estimate.
Question: How do I clean the debris out of the inscriptions with damaging the inscription?
Answer: The best tool to use is a soft slanted paint brush. First try brushing dry to remove loose particles etc. for dirt, algae, mildew etc, apply the cleaning solution outlined in this book.
Question: I used a poultice on a granite headstone to remove some rust and when I removed the poultice it left a dark mark where the poultice was. What did I do wrong and how Can I remove this dark area?
Answer: The dark area you describe is normal. The poultice sit on the stone for a long time and will trap moisture in that area. This is the dark area you observe. It is nothing more than moisture. It will take several days to dry. To speed the drying process, you can use some plain poultice powder. Apply the powder dry. The dry powder will wick the remaining moisture out of the stone.
Question: We are looking to hire a contractor to clean a mausoleum and the one we contacted wants to use a sandblaster to clean the stone. Is this advisable?
Answer: Under no condition should stone be sandblasted. Sand is an abrasive that works by removing the surface of the stone. The sand blasting will also open up the stone which will allow it to soil easier as well as absorb more water. My advise would be to look for another contractor.
Question: I have been told that there are new techniques similar to sandblasting that uses baking soda instead of sand. Is this a safer alternative to sandblasting?
Answer: There are newer blasting systems that use softer materials such as baking soda, walnut shells and other soft materials. These procedures are safer than sand however, they are controversial in some circles. I would check them out throughly and they should only be performed by a qualified contractor.
Question: we have a bronze plague on a granite headstone that is leaving a green stain around the perimeter of the plague. How do we remove the green stain from the stone?
Answer: Try cleaning the green stain with a solution of ammonia and water. Start with 1 part ammonia to two parts water. Increase the mixture to one part ammonia to one part water if necessary. Be sure to throughly rinse with plenty of water and follow the precautions and instructions under the step by step cleaning
Question: Can I use bleach on a headstone to clean algae and mildew?
Answer: Yes, bleach can be used but must be applied with caution. Make sure to pre-wet the stone throughly and rinse with plenty of water.
Question: There is ivy growing all over a headstone that I would like to remove, any suggestions?
Answer: Often ivy will root itself into the stone. If you attempt to remove the ivy you will also pull out some of the stone. I would suggest trimming it back rather than removing it. If you must remove it, first kill the ivy with a herbicide then careful remove the ivy being careful not to pull it off the face of the stone.
Cleaning Headstone, Memorials and Mausoleums Manual
Cleaning Headstone, Memorials and Mausoleums Manual
In a recent visit to a local cemetery I noticed how dirty and stained many of the headstones and mausoleums had become. I could not believe the condition of many of them. and wondered who was suppose to take care of them. I located someone from the cemetery and asked who was responsible for cleaning and maintenance of all the headstones and mausoleums? There response was that the family is responsible. He went on to say that the only responsibility they had was for the grounds. The upkeep of the grass and roads, etc. I could not believe this so I ask him: If someone wanted to clean a headstone and asked you , do you know what to tell them to use? He said I don’t know, maybe a wire brush or something. That afternoon I went home, logged onto the internet and tried to locate some information on cleaning headstone, memorials and mausoleums. I found very little. A search at several book sites also had nothing. Since I am a stone expert and believe that there are many families who need to know how to clean and care for their deceased relatives headstone, memorial or mausoleums, I wrote the following book to provide the proper cleaning procedures that will not destroy the beautiful stone that these monuments are made from. By the way DON’T EVER use a wire brush to clean any stone surface.
STONE TYPES
Stone headstone, monuments & mausoleums are general composed of either granite, marble and occasionally limestone and sandstone. Perhaps the most important aspect of care is knowing the various types of stone, and their characteristics and maintenance requirements.
Why is this knowledge so important? Because certain cleaning chemicals that can be used very safely on some stone can be extremely destructive on others. For example, there are several stone cleaners that are designed for cleaning granite; these chemicals typically contain acids, which are harmful to marble. If used on a polished marble surface, they will undoubtably dull it, and repairing the damage can be costly. So before you rush out and buy just any stone cleaner, make sure you know exactly what type of material you’re going to be dealing with. The following guide should help with identification; if you’re still in doubt after reading it, consult your local stone supplier or ask the management at the cemetery.
MARBLE
There are over eight thousand types of marble on the market today, and the number continues to grow. It would be impossible to list every available type, but there are some common characteristics that make it fairly easy to identify marble.
Marble is commercially defined as any limestone that will take a polish. Limestones, and therefore marbles, are composed of minerals of calcite or dolomite. Marble in its purest state is white; colored marbles are the result of other minerals being mixed with the calcite or dolomite.
Now for those of you who don’t really care what marble is made of, there are some other commonly recognizable characteristics:
If the monument is located in an area that receives acid rain, the marble will become dull and pitted. If this is the case, the marble will need to be repolished on a regular bases. Unfortunately, there are no products at this time that can be applied to the marble to prevent damage caused by acid rain.
GRANITE
Like marble, granite is a natural stone which occurs in many colors. There, however, the similarities stop. Unlike marble, granite is composed of different minerals with different properties. It is chiefly made up of 30% quartz and 60% feldspar; both substances are much harder than the calcite in marble, and for this reason, granite is much more difficult to scratch than marble. Granite is highly resistant to most acids, and will not etch and leave dull spots as they do on marble. There is only one acid to avoid: hydrofluoric acid, which is found in most rust removers. Granite rarely exhibits the veining characteristics of marble. It contains crystals which are very distinct, often giving the appearance of small to medium-sized stones compacted together. There are some exceptions. Blue Azul, for example, has a vein-like pattern, but if the veins are examined closely, they will also be seen to contain small, distinct crystals. Granite is an excellent choice for headstones and memorials, especially in acid rain regions, where it will be exposed to acidic rain water
LIMESTONE
Limestone is not a marble, but marble is a limestone. Let me clarify this. Limestones are made up of calcite from shells, coral and other sea debris. They are what we call sedimentary rocks—that is, they have been formed by the breakdown of other rocks, shells, etc. Marbles are limestones that have been subjected to great heat and pressure and as a result, have changed (metamorphosed) into marble.
What difference does this make? There are several differences, and they are very important. Limestones are usually loosely held together, and may differ in porosity from marble. The coarse grain of some limestones give them excellent durability. Limestones can contain numerous fossil impressions that are well preserved. If a piece of stone has various shell or animal-like patterns there’s a very good chance that it’s limestone. Limestones come in various colors, but most are shades of brown or tan, with some leaning toward gray and red. All seem to fall into the earth-tone color range.
SANDSTONE
Sandstone can be found in older headstones and it is rarely used today. Composed primary of quartz, it is loose and rough in texture. As its name implies, it has the appearance of sand crystals cemented together. It is also acid-resistant, and very rarely is polished.
CLEANING MISTAKES- WHAT NOT TO USE
It surprises me how many times I have seen the wrong chemical or equipment used to clean headstones, memorials and mausoleums. Often the wrong chemical or cleaning method can permanently damage stone headstone, monuments and mausoleums. Not only is the mistake made by the average citizen, but I have seen cemetery personnel and even so call stone cleaning specialist ruin the stone. With that said the following are chemicals, equipment and cleaning methods that should never be used on any stone headstone, monument or mausoleums:
Abrasives-
Abrasives of any kind should never be used to clean stone. Abrasives include sand blasting, sandpaper, diamond abrasives, wire brushes, powdered abrasives such as Comet, Ajacks, etc.,
Abrasives should only be used by professional stone restoration personnel and only to restore the monument. Abrasives of any type should never be used to clean any stone headstone, monument or mausoleums. The reason not to use abrasive is simple. An abrasive works by removing the surface of the stone. Often this opens the pores of the stone and allows water, soil and other contaminants to enter. These contaminates will cause the stone to pit and flake and in many cases will cause irrepairable damage.
Acids
As I mentioned in chapter one, acid will destroy marble but acids can also effect and destroy granite, limestone and sandstone. I have seen where swimming pool acid(hydrochloric and muriatic acid) severely stain many granite surfaces. There are even some stone cleaners that are acid based. Acids should only be used by qualified stone restoration personnel. See the chart in chapter one on products and acid names.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing uses water at pressures in the range of 1000-3000 PSI(pounds per square inch). The pressure produces can cause the stone to flake. I have even seen stone headstones that will peel off in layers when pressure washed. The maximum pressure I would use on these stone surfaces should not exceed 60PSI. To be safe, the pressure from an ordinary garden hose nozzle would be the highest pressure to use.
Heat and Torches
I have had cemetery personal tell me that they have removed stains, etc using a normal propane torch. Never use a torch of any type on stone surface. Granite is especially sensitive to high temperature. If a torch or flame is applied to a granite surface, the granite can be damaged. This is especially true of polished granite.
Misc Chemical Cleaners
There are numerous chemicals that can be purchased at grocery stores and home centers that can damage stone surfaces. A cleaner that is safe for your wood floor or Formica counter top can be damaging to stone headstones, monuments and mausoleums. Use only chemicals designed for stone surfaces.
STEP BY STEP CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Before you start cleaning any headstone, memorial or mausoleum you need to inspect its condition throughly. If there are any loose sections or the stone appears to be crumbling, do not clean it. Cleaning could cause further deterioration of the stone.
You should also get permission from the cemetery if possible. This is especially true if you are cleaning a headstone of someone who you did not know. You may need to contact the family for permission.
Tools and equipment you will need:
Do not forget to bring, gloves, bug spray and drinking water, sunscreen and a first aid kit.
Cleaning Procedure
Step 1. Brush all debris and loose material off of stone with a soft wisp broom or dust pan brush. If there are any lichens or heavy crust of mold etc, remove it by scraping with a plastic putty knife. NEVER, EVER use any metal tools.
Step 2. Wet stone with clean water. Use water only with no cleaner. You can use a large sponge or a garden sprayer. Be sure to saturate the stone with plenty of water. This will fill the pores of the stone and allow the dirt and soiling to ne removed easilier.
Step 3. Mix the stone cleaner according to the directions on the label. If using liquid dish detergent mix two to three tablespoons of detergent per gallon of water. If stone is extremely soiled, add a cup of ammonia to this mixture.
Step 4. Apply the cleaner solution to the stone using a soft nylon scrub brush. Start from the bottom of the stone and work your way to the top. Allow solution to sit on the stone surface for several minutes. After several minutes gently scrub the stone with the scrub brush. If the stone is very porous, the solution may dry. If this is the case apply more of the cleaner solution.
Step 5. Once the stone has been cleaned rinse with plenty of clean water.
Step 6. Examine the stone once it has time to dry. Drying make take a day or more. If there are any stains refer to the chapter on stain removal. If no stains are present and you wish to seal the stone refer to the chapter on protection.
STAIN REMOVAL AND PROTECTION
How do you go about removing that deep grass stain? What do you use to remove black marker ink from the face of the headstone? Does mud stain? How do I remove rust? The list can go on and on.
Removing stains from marble, granite, limestone and sandstone headstones, monuments and mausoleums can prove difficult. There are, however, several precautionary measures you can take:
Marble, granite are porous materials. If not thoroughly sealed, they will stain. The only way a stain can be removed is to literally pull it out of the stone with both a chemical and material that will absorb the stain. This chemical absorbent-material combination is what we call a poultice.
Poultices are commonly powder or cloth materials that can be mixed with a chemical and placed on top of the stain. Refer to the table below for some of the more common poultice materials. Clays and diatomaceous earth are safe and readily available, but do not use whiting or clays containing iron with an acidic chemical; iron will react with the acid, and may cause rust staining. It is best to purchase powders that are designed specifically for stone and tile. Consult a stone restoration specialist or your stone supplier if in doubt.
Poultice materials:
Paper towels
Cotton balls
Gauze pads
Clays such as attapulgite, kaolin, fuller’s earth
Talc
Chalk (whiting)
Flour
Diatomaceous earth
Methyl cellulose
How to apply a poultice
Before you attempt to remove a stain, it is extremely important to know what has caused it. If you don’t know, I would recommend that you consult a stone specialist, or refer to my book on stain removal for a detailed description of the procedure.
To apply a poultice, take the following steps:
Stain removal can be very difficult, and care must be taken when using a poultice. The following stain removal chart represents only a small sampling of the chemicals that are available for stain removal; a complete guide can be found in my book on the subject.
Common Stains and Their Removal
Algae
Algae appears as a green colored slime. Algae grows in the presents of moisture and will often be found growing in areas where there is some direct sunlight on the stone surface.
To remove algae, clean the stone as outlined in Chapter 2. If the algae has penetrated below the surface of the stone, then a poultice may need to be applied using bleach. Apply the poultice as outlined in the poultice application instructions above.
Lichens
Lichens are a biological growth that is a combination of a fungus and algae. Lichens can be green, red, brown and almost any other color. Lichens can be removed by scraping with a plastic putty knife. Once removed, the lichens can leave a mark. This mark is caused by acids that are secreted by a reaction with the stone and the lichen. This mark can only be removed by refinishing , which should be performed by a professional stone restoration company.
Grass and Vegetation
Grass, weeds and other vegetation can leave what is normally a green colored stain. These stains are very common where there is rich soil and the grass around the memorial is mowed often. To remove grass stains, first try the cleaning method in chapter 2. If this fails then deep grass stains will require a poulticing with hydrogen peroxide.
Rust
Rust is often caused by irrigation systems. The water contains iron which sits on the stone and causes the brown to red discoloration that is observed.
Rust can be very difficult to remove. Many of the products sold for rust removal contain harmful acids that can damage the stone surface. To remove rust I like a product that can be purchased at most home centers and hardware stores. The product is Iron Out and can be found in the plumbing department. First try mixing a small quantity of Iron out in water and scrubbing the stone as outlined in chapter 2. In other words in place of liquid dish detergent replace with Iron out. Do Not mix the iron out with detergent, ammonia or any other chemical. If this fails to remove the rust, then mix a poultice using 1/3 iron out to 2/3 diatomaceous earth. DO NOT use clay powders, they can react with the iron out and cause a bigger stain. The poultice can damage polished surfaces, so I would test in a small area before treating the entire stone.
Soil, Mud Etc.
Soil and mud staining will vary from region to region. In the Southern US, red clay can be specially damaging. To remove dirt and the stain caused by dirt, first clean entire area with cleaning procedure outlined in chapter 2. If a stain is left behind then poultice using ammonia.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can appear in many colors. The most common mildew seen on stone is black in color. To remove mildew following the procedure outlined in chapter 2. For stubborn mildew stain a poultice using household bleach should work. Be sure to rinse with plenty of water after removing the poultice.
Tar
Tar is rarely found on stone monuments, however, there are times when construction to nearby buildings can cause tar to be splattered on the monument. To remove tar first scrape as much off as possible with a plastic putty knife. Remove the remaining tar residue with a white rag and some paint thinner.
Hard Water Deposits
Hard water deposits will appear as a white film or in extreme cases a heavy white crust. To remove hard water deposits first try scraping as much as possible of with a plastic putty knife. Avoid using any metal scraper or knife. You can damage the stone with metal objects. To remove the remainder of the deposit you will have to use a mild acid. I do not normally recommend using acids on stone due to damaging the stone. However, in this case, acid is the only chemical that will remove the deposits. Try using a mild acid such as vinegar. Wipe the deposit with vinegar and a clean white rag. The vinegar will etch and dull marble but should not effect granite.
Moisture
Moisture is often mistaken for stains. Note the dark halo around the outside perimeter of the headstones in figure 17 above. The edges of the granite headstone are rough and more porous then the polished surface. Water migrates into the stone appearing as a dark halo. This moisture halo will eventually dry out.
Removing Graffiti
Unfortunately, graffiti as well as vandalism is a major problem with a lot of cemeteries. The secret to removing graffiti is to remove it as quickly as possible. The longer graffiti stays on the stone surface, the deeper it can penetrate into the stone making removal difficult. The following are some common graffiti types and how to remove them.
Spray Paint
To remove spray paint first try the cleaning method outlined in chapter 2. Sometimes, spray paint will be removed with a simple cleaning. If the spray paint is stubborn or has been on the stone for a while, try wiping the paint with some paint thinner. If the paint has penetrated the stone a poultice using paint thinner will be necessary.
Permanent marker and Ink
Felt tip makers and other ink markers are easy to obtain and are often used to mark stone. To remove ink first try the cleaning method outlined in chapter 2. If this fails, next try wiping the ink with some acetone and a clean rag. If this fails a poultice with a strong ink remover such as methylene chloride will be necessary. These ink removers are very nasty chemicals. Read all label cautions carefully.
Pencil
For pencil marks first try using a pencil eraser. If this does not remove the pencil marks, then wipe with some denatured alcohol. If the pencil has penetrated the stone, then a poultice with denatured alcohol will be needed.
For other stain types and their removal see my book Stain Removal for Stone, Tile and Concrete-ISBN 1-892690-07-1
SEALERS, WAXES AND IMPREGNATORS
There are hundreds of brands of waxes, and sealers on the market today. Some are good, while others are not so good. Before you can choose the best product to use, you first need to determine whether the headstone, memorial or mausoleums needs a wax or sealer. Some stones have very low absorption, and will not need any wax or sealer; some, can be very porous, and will definitely require some type of a sealer.
Waxes and sealers serve two purposes: they provide protection to the surface against staining, and they may improve the shine. To make matters more confusing, some products on the market offer only protection, while others only add shine. All sealers, however, fall into one of two general categories. They are either coatings or penetrating sealers—often called impregnators.
COATINGS
Coatings are sealers that place a sacrificial coating on the surface of the stone or tile to act as a barrier to prevent water, oil and dirt from penetrating and staining it. Coatings are usually described as waxes, sealers, floor finishes, polishes, etc.
Coatings should never be used on headstones, memorials or mausoleums. Coatings will seal moisture in the stone . If this moisture is sealed in, it can cause salts and other contaminants to become trapped and the stone will begin to rot.
Headstones, memorials and mausoleums should never be painted. I have seen stone painted in an attempt to improve the appearance. Painting is only a temporary fix. Paint is a coating and will not allow the stone to breathe. Damage will be eminent. See photo below.
PENETRATING SEALERS
As their name implies, impregnators or penetrating sealers are designed to penetrate below the surface of the stone and either deposit solid particles in the pores of the stone, or coat the individual minerals below the surface. Penetrating sealers work by restricting water, oil and dirt from entering the stone.
There are many brands of penetrating sealers/impregnators on the market. They can be solvent-based or water-based, and generally contain silicone, siloxane, silane, methyl silicate or other silicone derivatives. Occasionally you will hear them called silicone sealers. Penetrating sealers also fall into two categories: water-repelling (hydrophobic) and oil-repelling (oleophobic).
Water-repelling penetrating sealers are designed to repel only water and the contaminants carried by water.
Oil-repellant penetrating sealers will repel water as well as oil-based contaminates.
A word of caution: most penetrating sealers are designed to be either water- or oil-resistant, not water- or oil-proof. If a liquid is left on the stone long enough, it will eventually penetrate and stain. Penetrating sealers are designed to give you time to clean up the mess before staining occurs. Nor are they designed to prevent acid etching; acid rain will etch the surface of most marble and limestone, whether sealed or unsealed.
Rarely would you need an oil repellent impregnator. Most of the damage caused to headstones, memorials and mausoleums are water based. Rust from sprinkler heads and contaminants carried by rain are the main enemies of stone. Use only a water repellent.
Should You Seal Headstones, Memorials and Mausoleums?
Generally, the answer would be NO. There are however some exceptions. If the headstone is severely deteriorated or crumbling, a sealer or what is known as a consolidating sealer can be applied. A consolidating sealer is designed to re-cement loose particles of stone together.
Another exception would be to seal the stone before it is in place. This is rarely done and can sometimes cause more problems then it prevents.
You should consult a professional stone restoration company and you should never attempt to apply these treatments yourself. Professional stone restoration companies can be found in the contractors directory at www.ntc-stone.com
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: How often should I clean a headstone?
Answer: Marble, limestone and sandstone are delicate materials and the cleaning process alone can cause further damage. For this reason I would only clean them about once every two years. Granite is much harder and less susceptible to water damage and can be clean more often if needed. About once per year.
Question: Our fathers headstone is in need of repair. A corner of the marble has falling off. How do I reattach it?
Answer: Unless you know what you are doing it is best to have a professional restoration company do the repair. Repairing will require glueing the broken piece with a UV resistant epoxy. If the piece is very large it may have to have pins or dowels inserted to hold the broken piece on.
Question: I have heard the word “rubbing” and was wondering what it is?
Answer: Rubbing is the transfer of the headstones inscription to a piece of paper. In other words a piece of paper is placed over the inscription and rubbed to transfer the inscription. Rubbing in some states is not allowed since rubbing can damage the stone. If you would like to perform a rubbing safely I would refer you to the web site http://www.savinggraves.com/rubbings.htm for complete instructions on rubbing.
Question: There is a cherry tree located above our families headstone and the cherries drop on the granite stone and stain it. How do I remove these stains.
Answer: Cherry stains can be removed using a poultice with hydrogen peroxide. See the section on stain removal for instructions on applying a poultice.
Question: The face of a white marble headstone has lost its high shine. How can I restore the shine?
Answer: The marble will need to be repolished using a polishing compound. If it is severely worn, it may need to be resurfaced. This is not a job for the do it yourselfer. I would call a professional stone restoration company to perform this work.
Question: Where can I find a qualified contractor to do some repairs on our families mausoleum?
Answer: There is a complete list of stone restoration contractors on our web site at www.ntc-stone.com. I would suggest you call several to get a estimate.
Question: How do I clean the debris out of the inscriptions with damaging the inscription?
Answer: The best tool to use is a soft slanted paint brush. First try brushing dry to remove loose particles etc. for dirt, algae, mildew etc, apply the cleaning solution outlined in this book.
Question: I used a poultice on a granite headstone to remove some rust and when I removed the poultice it left a dark mark where the poultice was. What did I do wrong and how Can I remove this dark area?
Answer: The dark area you describe is normal. The poultice sit on the stone for a long time and will trap moisture in that area. This is the dark area you observe. It is nothing more than moisture. It will take several days to dry. To speed the drying process, you can use some plain poultice powder. Apply the powder dry. The dry powder will wick the remaining moisture out of the stone.
Question: We are looking to hire a contractor to clean a mausoleum and the one we contacted wants to use a sandblaster to clean the stone. Is this advisable?
Answer: Under no condition should stone be sandblasted. Sand is an abrasive that works by removing the surface of the stone. The sand blasting will also open up the stone which will allow it to soil easier as well as absorb more water. My advise would be to look for another contractor.
Question: I have been told that there are new techniques similar to sandblasting that uses baking soda instead of sand. Is this a safer alternative to sandblasting?
Answer: There are newer blasting systems that use softer materials such as baking soda, walnut shells and other soft materials. These procedures are safer than sand however, they are controversial in some circles. I would check them out throughly and they should only be performed by a qualified contractor.
Question: we have a bronze plague on a granite headstone that is leaving a green stain around the perimeter of the plague. How do we remove the green stain from the stone?
Answer: Try cleaning the green stain with a solution of ammonia and water. Start with 1 part ammonia to two parts water. Increase the mixture to one part ammonia to one part water if necessary. Be sure to throughly rinse with plenty of water and follow the precautions and instructions under the step by step cleaning
Question: Can I use bleach on a headstone to clean algae and mildew?
Answer: Yes, bleach can be used but must be applied with caution. Make sure to pre-wet the stone throughly and rinse with plenty of water.
Question: There is ivy growing all over a headstone that I would like to remove, any suggestions?
Answer: Often ivy will root itself into the stone. If you attempt to remove the ivy you will also pull out some of the stone. I would suggest trimming it back rather than removing it. If you must remove it, first kill the ivy with a herbicide then careful remove the ivy being careful not to pull it off the face of the stone.
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