In some Asian cultures, they have an annual national holiday called tomb-sweeping day. Although they are not dealing with headstones, usually, they are making it a habit to spend one day a year to maintain the tombs of their loved once (usually is a single tomb containing the ashes of all the family).

Be sure that you’re not releasing an invasive species into the wild, and that your cemetery is ok with this. The snails are not simply going to disappear after they have finished with your buffet of lichen. Large spray misters are helpful for large monuments and small hand spray bottles of water are fine for small stones. Of the long list of things that CLR claims to be good at cleaning, from plastics to ceramics, it does not include stone of any type. Bleach These gastropods enjoy eating mold, lichens, and algae, some of the things you are looking to remove with the use of the products above. Although this method will certainly not be instant, it is a natural method indeed.The family which owns the Deed of Grant is responsible for the grave maintenance, subject to the rules of the authority which owns the cemetery and looks after the grounds. Some cemeteries can have quite strict regulations about things people are permitted to do and what is expected of them. These may vary according to the type of burial plot chosen, or be subject to additional cemetery fees and charges.

Avoiding damage: When cleaning headstones, be careful not to scrub too hard or use any abrasive materials that might scratch the surface. Often, simply cleaning the area around the gravestone improves the appearance tremendously. 3. Soak the Headstone with WaterThe results should be a cleaner and brighter stone. And the best part? Baking soda is completely safe and won’t damage the stone. Steps for Cleaning A Gravestone with White Vinegar Klean Logik produced a headstone specific cleaner that is up for consideration. This headstone cleaner claims to be able to restore the original beauty of a headstone through deep cleaning which is safe and effective on marble and granite, as well as concrete and natural stone.

Tested in a 6-year study and now specified by the Department of Veteran Affairs National Cemetery Administration.” Another major difference regarding the application of D2with nearly all other stone cleaners, is it may be sprayed onto a dry stone surface. Within a few minutes it will go to work eating away at the biological activity. That being said, we still need to avoid pressure washes and metal brushes. Some artists use wire brushes to add texture to marble works of art. If you are not looking to add a hair texture to your headstone, keep the metal brushes away. Many bereaved families choose a burial for their loved ones so that they can remember them in a restful place they can regularly visit. If you're planning one, we have an extensive guide to burials that you would find useful. You can buy specific headstone cleaners which promise to remove moss and other forms of ‘stubborn soiling’ with ease, such as HG Headstone Cleaning Spray. Another option is a photographic solution called Kodak Photo-Flo which, if you can get hold of it, has been recommended by the US Association for Gravestone Studies.Clean the area around the gravestone by removing any dead leaves, old flowers, and twigs. Tidying this area will greatly improve the appearance of the gravestone. Cleaning a headstone yourself is best done with HG headstone cleaner. You can use other products too. But be sure you know what you're doing. Some common DIY products can actually damage natural stone. We have some tips for the best way to clean marble gravestones. You use these tips at your own risk. Do not use regular household cleaners on the gravestones even if they’re biodegradable. This includes household soaps, dishwashing liquid, detergents, and waxes. These types of cleaners tend to be acidic or abrasive.