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A Comprehensive Guide for Cleaning Granite Headstones
Granite is widely regarded as the top choice for headstones due to its abundance and the array of crystalline colors and textures it encompasses. Unlike other stones such as marble and limestone, granite deteriorates at a slower pace, allowing for preservation that can last several hundred years. If you have a memorial headstone for a loved one that has become corroded or damaged, resulting in a tarnished appearance, this guide will assist you in restoring the stone back to its original look.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cleaning a Granite Grave Monument
When preparing to clean a cemetery headstone, ensure that you have the following tools on hand:
- A clean bucket
- Dishwashing liquid (avoid using ammonia, vinegar, or lemon cleaners)
- 4 liters of water
- Cotton swabs for cleaning incrustations and engravings
- 2 clean rags for washing the tombstone
- 2 clean white cloths for drying and polishing the headstone (e.g., cloth diaper or microfiber cloth)
Steps to Clean a Granite Headstone
Remember to clean the granite headstone only when necessary.
Step 1: Remove Excess Debris
Before commencing the cleaning process, eliminate any excess dirt from the affected area or its surroundings.
Step 2: Wash the Granite Grave Monument with Soapy Water
In a bucket filled with 2 liters of water, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Avoid using any cleaners containing ammonia, vinegar, or lemon, as these acidic components can damage the granite’s surface. Soak a clean cloth in the soapy water, wringing it out to remove excess moisture. Thoroughly clean the granite grave monument. Depending on the level of dirtiness, you may need to repeat this process several times.
Step 3: Rinse the Granite Grave Monument with Clean Water
To prevent soap residue from accumulating after multiple cleaning sessions, rinse the monument with clean water to remove any foam. Empty the bucket of soapy water and pour two liters of fresh water onto the grave monument. Use another clean cloth or rag to wash the headstone several times.
Step 4: Dry the Granite Grave Monument
After washing the granite grave monument, use a clean white cloth to dry it. Immediate drying is crucial as soap residue may leave streaks on the surface.
Step 5: Clean Any Incrustations and Engravings
To clean hard-to-reach corners, employ cotton swabs dipped in soapy water. Gently remove accumulated dirt from narrow crevices. This process might require multiple swabs to thoroughly clean all incrustations and engravings.
Step 6: Ensure Removal of All Excess Material
Given the nature of granite headstones, it’s possible that some stains may remain hidden to the naked eye. Run a clean, dry cloth over the surface to detect any stubborn remnants that may have been missed.
Step 7: Polish the Granite Grave Monument
Take a new dry white cloth and polish the granite grave monument. This final step will enhance the finish and shine of the tombstone. Avoid using the cloth used in Step 3 to prevent streaks on the granite slab.
Please note that stubborn stains, grime, or other remnants may not be entirely removed by a simple soap cleanse and water rinse. In such cases, Kulinski Memorials offers a professional headstone cleaning service that combines various techniques and products, including sandblasting the surface to address deep-seated stains or materials within the granite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can Water Stains Be Removed from Granite Headstones?
One common query revolves around why headstones appear different in color when wet. Being a porous stone, granite absorbs water like a sponge, causing a temporary alteration in the stone’s appearance.
Thankfully, granite is one of the least porous stones, which means it absorbs minimal amounts of water and releases it quickly.
After a rainstorm, expect your headstone to revert back to its original natural color shade within a few hours up to a day.
