During All Saints' Day, it is traditional to spruce up the grave and replant and/or design it for autumn and winter. You would certainly also like the gravestone to shine in new splendor. Over time, of course, it becomes polluted from rain, winds and not only does sand accumulate on it, but mosses can also begin to spread on it. Fortunately, these days the stone usually has a smooth surface, which makes cleaning much easier. Today we will give you a few tips on how you can clean the gravestone and which products are suitable for this purpose. After all, natural stone is also sensitive and should be processed carefully.
Porous vs. polished stones
If you think that the cleaning products for both variants are different, you are wrong. The only difference is that with a stone with a rough surface, you will have to invest more time and effort to clean it of dirt. On the other hand, dirt and plants cannot adhere so well to polished gravestones and are easier to remove.
Do not try to make your job easier with the help of a high-pressure cleaner. Because that could not only cause trouble because of the noise. It's also quite a messy affair with dirt and water flying around. This could also contaminate the neighboring graves. In addition, the hard jet of water can damage soft stones (limestone, sandstone and...Marble, for example) can damage and that would only make them dirty more quickly in the future.
It is therefore better to stick to the old-fashioned hand version. But how do I properly clean a gravestone? Which cleaning products and cleaning utensils are best suited?
How often should you clean a gravestone?
As already mentioned,Many people use All Saints Day. Others do this right after winter, as a spring cleaning, so to speak. But you would make every cleaning easier if you do it regularly, because then no stubborn dirt can arise in the first place. It's best to introduce it into your care routine and clean the natural stone several times a year.
Cleaning the gravestone – home remedies and helpful utensils
Simply use the classic brush and pure water. The moisture can soften the dirt, which makes brushing it off much easier. You can also scrub off coarse dirt with a dry brush beforehand so as not to smear it unnecessarily. Also, scrub in a circular motion without applying too much pressure.
Diebrushshould:
- not too hard, but hard enough to be able to rub off even stubborn dirt. Natural bristles are optimal.
- It is best to have wavy bristles instead of straight ones, as they are not gentler on the stone.
(if you are unsure, test the brush in an inconspicuous area first to check how it affects the surface)
Smooth surfaces can also be cleaned with a simple wetThe patchsauber.
Clean the engravings effectively
The coarse brush you used on the flat stone surfaces will most likely not get into the fine cracks and corners of the engraving well. Therefore, you can also use a regular toothbrush for these items. It's best to choose a model with hard bristles.
Cleaning the gravestone with cleaning products in addition to water?
Conventional cleaners contain chemicals and other ingredients that...Damage natural stoneand can discolor. And once this has happened, it can no longer be undone. That's why you should always clean the gravestone without chemicals. Chlorine or acids are particularly taboo. But even mild detergent or soap are not a good choice for stones. So if you are used to using soapy water for gentle cleaning, then stop doing this! Also avoid products that contain oil. You may think that this will give the polished natural stone more shine, but in reality it leads to unsightly grease stains.
You should also be careful with tried-and-tested home remedies when cleaning a gravestone made of natural stone. Vinegar and apple cider vinegar, regardless of whether they are diluted, attack the stone with their acid and can ruin it. Baking soda, i.e. soda, is also not recommended.
If you absolutely want to use a cleaning agent, then be sure to get one that has been specifically developed for cleaning natural stone/tombstones so as not to risk any damage.
Should you hire a professional?
First of all, you can try it yourself in a gentle way at any time. But if these methods do not have the desired effect, do not resort to more aggressive measures out of sheer desperation. In this case, it is worth investing in a professional company. This is also an advantage if you live further away from the cemetery and cannot maintain the grave regularly, or if the gravestone is particularly ornate and difficult to access.
Professionals use a high-pressure cleaner as well as special cleaning agents and brushes that are tailored to the respective type of stone. If necessary, the cleaning process is repeated several times until the layer of dirt has been completely removed. Finally, the stone is rinsed thoroughly with clear water and is now presented at its best.
