A headstone is one of the most permanent ways to honor our loved ones and a longstanding tradition. It’s a physical memorial to the life they lived. However, headstones face the elements with little cover, and over the years, they can become worn and in disrepair.
Regular and careful cleaning of a headstone can keep it in good condition and is a good way to honor the memory of those who have passed. However, professional help with restoration and repair might be needed for other issues like fading lettering and cracks.
This article aims to provide you with the information you need on how to clean a headstone, the restoration and repair process, and how to recognize when professional assistance is needed.
How to Clean a Memorial
Cleaning a memorial may feel overwhelming, but knowing the correct steps can make the process easier. Most memorials are made of either granite or bronze, and the method for cleaning is slightly different between the two. Here’s a look at what you need to do:
How to clean a granite memorial:
- Remove all dirt, debris, and dust.
- Wash with water and dish soap. You should avoid using any oil-based products on granite.
- Wash with a stiff bristle brush. Do not use any type of wire brush or power tools.
- If needed, use a plastic putty knife to remove moss.
- Rinse clean with water.
- Let air dry.
How to clean a bronze memorial:
- Remove all dirt, debris, and dust.
- Wash with purified bottled water and a stiff-bristle brush. Do not use a wire brush or power tools.
- Dry with a cloth or let air dry.
- Apply lemon oil onto the bronze. You must test on a small area before cleaning the entire memorial.
- Rub with a cloth until the surface is evenly coated.
- A second coat may be needed, or if time allows, a soaked cloth can be placed over the memorial for several hours to ensure full penetration of the bronze surface.
You can honor your loved one by keeping their memorial clean to help prevent damage. With both bronze and granite memorials, avoid setting anything on them because it might scratch them.
Re-Highlighting a Memorial
If cleaning the memorial fails to give the desired result, re-highlighting it might be the next step. Re-highlighting is a process where the engraved portions of granite are re-sealed. Granite is a porous stone and re-highlighting allows the engraving to stand out more and gives it greater endurance against weather.
There are a few ways to do this, depending on the condition of the headstone. A problem with the lettering can usually be solved by having a professional redo the lettering on the memorial. However, having a new memorial installed is often the more cost-friendly option when a memorial reaches this point.
Signs A Headstone Needs Repair
While we may always try our best to keep our loved ones’ memorials in the best shape, there may come a time when the memorial needs repairs. We want the memorial to stand and honor our loved ones long after we’re gone. If you are unsure if it might be time to have your loved one’s memorial repaired, please feel free to send images of the monument to Create a Legacy in Stone. We are happy to offer guidance and help you find the best solution.
Signs that a memorial is in need of repair can include:
- Faded lettering
- Discoloration
- Extensive weathering
- Water spots
- Loose pieces
- Tilting
- Sinking into the ground
- Chips or cracks
- Damage from vandalism
When repairs are needed, it’s usually easily noticed. A professional can make any needed repairs to ensure the quality and longevity of the memorial.
Is It Time to Restore Your Loved One’s Headstone Memorial?
Create a Legacy can provide you with the headstone restoration and repair services you need. We work with over 150 professionals to meet all of your needs and to help you honor the memory of your loved one. Contact us today.