- Cleaning gravestones before All Saints’ Day is a tradition, but removing the wax can be a challenge.
- Scraping off the wax and using vegetable oil are proven methods, but vinegar should be avoided on marble.
- Granite, marble and sandstone require different cleaning approaches – learn the best ways to avoid damaging your monument.
- Do you want to know how to effectively and safely take care of a tombstone made of various materials? Check out the full guide!
How to remove wax from tombstones?
before All Saints’ Day is almost a tradition. In October, many people try to visit the graves of their loved ones to prepare monuments for November 1. Cleaning graves begins with throwing away old candles and bouquets and removing any fallen leaves.
Many people wonder how to wash tombstones to remove dried wax from candles. This is a typical dirt that often accumulates on tombstones. Classic detergents can destroy the surface of the tombstone. Experts recommend that when cleaning graves from dried wax, start by gently scraping the top layer. This should be done slowly and carefully, being careful not to scratch the surface. It is not recommended to use sharp objects for this type of cleaning. However, a car window scraper may work great.
should be dissolved gently. Vinegar works best for this purpose. Apply a small amount of vegetable oil or olive oil to the stain and wait a few minutes. Then wipe off any wax remnants with a soft cloth. The oil’s greasy formula dissolves dried deposits perfectly and is safe for the surface. You can find many tips on cleaning tombstones using vinegar on the Internet. Be careful this way. Vinegar is indeed great at removing difficult stains, but it is not recommended for cleaning marble surfaces.
How to clean granite tombstones?
. It is resistant to weather conditions and most dirt. For daily care of a granite tombstone, all you need is a soft cloth or sponge and water. For more difficult stains, such as bird droppings or leaf stains, you can use a gentle pH-neutral detergent diluted in water. Strong acids and alkalis should be avoided as they may damage the polished granite surface. After washing, the tombstone should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water and wiped dry with a soft cloth to prevent streaks.
How to clean marble tombstones?
Marble is a more porous and softer material than granite, so it requires a more delicate approach when cleaning. As with granite, the key is to regularly remove dust and loose dirt using a soft brush or cloth. To wash a marble tombstone, it is best to use lukewarm water with a very mild soap with a neutral pH. Avoid aggressive detergents, agents containing acids or bleaches, which may permanently damage the structure and color of the marble. You can try to remove more difficult stains with special marble cleaning preparations, following the manufacturer’s instructions and always testing the effectiveness of the agent on a less visible part of the tombstone. After washing, the marble should be rinsed thoroughly and dried with a soft cloth. It is also worth considering impregnating the marble tombstone with a special protective preparation that will reduce its porosity and increase its resistance to dirt.
How to clean sandstone tombstones?
Sandstone is a natural material with a porous structure, which makes it more susceptible to organic dirt such as lichens, mosses and algae. Cleaning sandstone tombstones requires more attention and often specialized products. First, loose dirt should be mechanically removed using a soft brush with natural bristles (avoid wire brushes, which may scratch the surface). For washing, you can use lukewarm water with the addition of a mild detergent or a special preparation for cleaning sandstone. In the case of persistent biological dirt, biocides intended for natural stone may be effective. However, they should be used carefully, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and always test on a small, inconspicuous area. After washing, the sandstone tombstone should be thoroughly rinsed with water. Due to the porosity of the material, impregnation with a special hydrophobizing preparation is especially recommended in the case of sandstone to protect it against the penetration of moisture and the formation of new biological dirt.
