How to clean a headstone?

knowsleyroader

I noticed my grandparent's headstone is very dirty and asked a man in the cemetery what he used to clean them.
He said 'bleach' which surely can't be good for the grass surrounding the grave?
I'd like to clean it myself but what with and not easy access to water?

ceebeeby

Get an old plastic milk carton (with a lid) and fill it with washing up liquid and water at home. Take up a jay cloth and a non-stick scourer and it will bring it up a treat .... don't forget to take a t-towel to dry your hands afterwards.

It's quite nice actually, 'cos you can have a chat with Grandad at the same time.

knowsleyroader

Thank you for that!
I'll be looking after my future home really!

clareyocs

ceebeeby wrote: »

Get an old plastic milk carton (with a lid) and fill it with washing up liquid and water at home. Take up a jay cloth and a non-stick scourer and it will bring it up a treat .... don't forget to take a t-towel to dry your hands afterwards.

It's quite nice actually, 'cos you can have a chat with Grandad at the same time.

I was just about to say the same! although not the scourer:p

moonrakerz

http://www.ctgravestones.com/Conservation/cleaning.htm

lyndasharp

What's the gravestone made of? Is it marble or limestone?

consumermonkey

Just to add, anyone know how to re-do the gold leaf writing? Mother has been so good with the cleaning, she has managed to rub most of it off.

looby-loo_2

Way back when I was a student I went on a weeks 'gravestone cleaning holiday'. Every morning we scrubbed the stones with a soft brush and soapy water. The stones were British soldiers.
In the afternoons we were taken on an outing to the local area. I don't know if these holidays are still run but it was worthwhile and good fun.

ceebeeby

consumermonkey wrote: »

Just to add, anyone know how to re-do the gold leaf writing? Mother has been so good with the cleaning, she has managed to rub most of it off.

Try getting in touch with a local headstone maker, they may know the tricks of the trade (I think there's a professional name for them, but it eludes me right now!!!)

knowsleyroader

Thanks for the link and replies.
Our headstone isn't marble so I'm guessing it's limestone?

lyndasharp

http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.headington.org.uk/pics_headington/marston_pics/listed/138_headstone_bannaster.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.headington.org.uk/history/marston_history/listed/138_headstone_bannester.htm&usg=__l8352zLfSIMbW9uwyNqA7_1ngIk=&h=450&w=600&sz=119&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=7ADJ0NZBVAKmkM:&tbnh=101&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dlimestone%2Bheadstone%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1 this is a pic of a limestone headstone.

The other option is that it could be granite, particularly if it's got gold lettering. Granite is harder than limestone and wears much less in the weather http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.stone-essentials.co.uk/Images/grey_granite_headstone.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.stone-essentials.co.uk/Html/granite_gravestone.htm&usg=__kC7hub_slbHC2J8rN5KKubbqLBI=&h=500&w=500&sz=70&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=YkhEd8aYQ4qiLM:&tbnh=130&tbnw=130&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgranite%2Bheadstone%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1

Please be aware that some lichens are a protected species and as such it's illegal to clean them off! Don't ask me which types though, as I don't know how to identify them...

The lettering is most likely oil gilding. You can do a search for the process, but it's an oil size (a type of glue) with 23 / 24 carat gold leaf applied to it. That's waterproof, but can come off with rubbing and various cleaning products. Unless you get a specialist in, your best bet would be to buy some sort of gold paint. There's a link here http://www.valmour.com/advices/regilding-gravestone-engravings,140 however I can't comment on what it's like.

Just so you know, I am a conservator, have been trained in looking after and cleaning various types of objects, but have not done gravestones specifically.