Recommended Ways to Clean Headstones

Recommended Ways to Clean Headstones

April 9, 2020

Over the course of the burial process, choosing and designing the headstone is one of the most significant moments. The shape of the monument, the words inscribed on the stone, the designs etched into its surface—each of these choices carries a special resonance for the departed and his or her surviving friends and family. In the years to come, the burial headstone will become a focal point of visitation and a potent source of remembrance.

Over the years, however, time can take its toll on your loved one’s headstone. Even if your local cemetery has a capable and thorough groundskeeper who maintains a clean space, your headstone will still be at the mercy of wind, rain and snow. For anyone wondering how to clean headstones in Phillipsburg, NJ, here are some helpful tips.

Does your headstone need cleaning?

As much as we would love for our chosen headstone to stay in mint condition forever, the fact is that everything, even stone, fades. What’s more, every time you clean your loved one’s headstone, you run the risk of causing undue damage. If your headstone is covered in mud or dirt, then cleaning may be necessary. General wear and tear, however, should be left alone.

Be prepared

When learning how to clean headstones in Phillipsburg, NJ, the most important step is gathering the right supplies. This is not a 409-and-paper-towels situation. You need the right cleaning supplies, namely:

  • A gentle, non-ionic cleanser (non-ionic cleansers do not contain harsh salts and chemicals that can degrade the stone)
  • Extra-soft cleaning cloths (old bath towels or discarded T-shirts work great)
  • A sponge (natural sponges work best)
  • A couple non-metallic brushes of different stiffness
  • Gallons of distilled water
  • A bucket to dip your cloths and sponges in

Keep in mind that substituting something else for any of these supplies should be done with extreme caution so you don’t harm the headstone.

Know your material

Before you start scrubbing, you should have a good idea of what material the headstone is made from. Marble and granite should be cleaned in different ways and at different intervals.

Regardless, before you begin cleaning, make sure to check the headstone for signs of damage. Cracks and flaking on the stone indicate that the material is weakened. When there are visible signs of damage to the monument, it’s a signal to clean very carefully.

Save the anxiety and go with a pro

Your loved one’s headstone or burial monument deserves to be cleaned with the utmost care and respect. That’s where we come in. At Phillipsburg Memorial Company, we have more than 80 years of experience helping our valued customers honor their friends and family. We know the best way to clean headstones in Phillipsburg, NJ, and we’ve been proving it since 1939.

In addition to our top-of-the-line funeral services, we also offer headstone lettering, restoration, creation and placement. We’re here for you from the beginning of the process until the end. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more.

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