In Victorian times, it was not uncommon to stroll leisurely through the neighborhood cemetery on a Sunday, perhaps stopping for a picnic. However, in general (with some exceptions, especially in large cities), people don’t spend much time in cemeteries anymore. With all the things going on in life, it can be difficult to prioritize a visit to the cemetery where your relatives are buried to clean and maintain their headstone.
However, if you’re interested, whether it’s cleaning the graves of someone you know or volunteering with a local group, here’s what you need to know and how to get started.
Why clean headstones?
Not sure why anyone would choose to spend their free time lightly erasing the words inscribed on the headstones of departed strangers? According to the Saving Graves Cemetery Preservation Alliance, the reasons are as follows:
If society does not adequately and appropriately address this problem through definitive action, legislative or otherwise, not only are genealogical and historical resources likely to suffer irreparable damage, but society potentially loses a valuable resource for tracing its inexorable path in the annals of human history.
If you would like to learn more about the organization or find a local group looking for volunteers, the Saving Graves website is an excellent source of information.
How to properly clean a headstone
Removing dirt and debris from the sides of a headstone is one thing, but cleaning it properly and thoroughly is another that takes time and patience. In addition, there are fairly detailed instructions to follow, which vary depending on the material of the headstone.
You can find all the details in articles from Cemetery Conservators for United Standards, Saving Graves, Aftermath and other sites. But for now, here are some important things to consider when cleaning headstones:
First, determine the material of the headstone. Most headstones are made of marble, granite, sandstone or slate, and how to clean them depends on the material.
Before removing a stain, you must first determine the cause of the stain to find the best method to treat it and prevent it from reappearing.
If the headstone you wish to clean is on private property, always ask for permission before going there.
Be aware of and avoid methods and products such as bleach, non-neutral pH cleaners, wire brushes and pressure washers.
When in doubt, first consult a local grave cleaning expert who is familiar with the materials used for headstones in the area and the major risks associated with weather, climate change and other factors.
