Losing a loved one is never easy, but headstones serve as enduring reminders of the lives and legacies that have touched ours. Over time, these monuments may accumulate dirt, grime, and moss, dulling the beauty and impact of the inscriptions. Properly cleaning a headstone can restore its dignity and help us pay tribute to those we cherish. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of cleaning headstones made of natural stone, marble, and granite, ensuring that the memory of your loved one shines through.
Before you begin cleaning a headstone, it's crucial to identify the type of stone you're dealing with. Natural stone, marble, and granite each require different cleaning methods to prevent damage.
Cleaning natural stone and marble follows a similar process, focusing on gentle yet effective methods.
Natural stone, including varieties such as Nahresina, Portland, York, and Purbeck, is often chosen for churchyard memorials due to its timeless appeal. However, all-natural stones share one common trait—they are porous. This porosity makes them susceptible to moisture absorption, which can result in dirt accumulation, discolouration, and the growth of mosses and lichens over time.
White marble is perhaps the most prevalent choice for cemetery headstones. Its classic, elegant appearance is characterized by natural veins of colour, ranging from white to blue and grey-white. Despite its visual appeal, white marble's permeable nature makes it prone to a rapid build-up of discolouration and grime.
Cleaning natural stone and marble follows a similar process, focusing on gentle yet effective methods. Here's how to clean them:
Granite, often referred to as the "everlasting stone," is a granular crystalline rock composed of quartz. It's available in a wide array of colours and is celebrated for its durability and timeless appeal. Unlike natural stone and marble, granite does not possess porous characteristics, making it exceptionally resistant to moisture absorption and staining.
Granite memorials may feature different finishes on various parts:
Cleaning the highly polished face of a granite memorial is straightforward and can help restore its shine. Here's how:
For granite memorials with honed or rustic surfaces, the cleaning method is akin to that used for natural stone and marble. Here's what to do:
By understanding the specific needs of different headstone materials and following these guidelines, you can ensure that these memorials continue to honour your loved ones with grace and dignity. If you ever encounter extensive staining or damage that requires professional attention, remember that experts like FP Gaunts can assist in restoring the beauty and significance of these cherished monuments.
Directors:
P. R Gaunt (Dip FD, MBIE)
H. J Share
S. A Meikle-Janney
S. J Gaunt (Dip FAA)
J. S Gaunt