Granite and bronze memorial headstones, like all materials exposed to outdoor elements, do require certain maintenance. An ammonia-based cleaner like Windex will restore the natural luster to the surface of stone if used on a regular basis. For hard water staining it is advisable to use a vinegar solution with baking soda as a mild descaling cleanser. NEVER use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals such as chlorine to clean polished granite or oxidized bronze plaques. Likewise avoid waxes, polishes, or sealers to “brighten or protect” cemetery memorials. NEVER use strong descalers like CLR or Lime-A-Way on any headstone – they can destroy the surface of stone and bronze.
Periodic cleaning of the cemetery memorial is important for lasting beauty, in cemeteries with mineral staining it is best to clean the memorial every month or so during the warm seasons while sprinklers are in use to prevent mineral build-up.
There is a biological cleaner, D2, which is a spray that can be left on most surfaces and cleans over time without scrubbing. This solution is found online and is a good alternative to scrubbing cleaners.
If possible, try for twice yearly cleaning with a mild solution made of three to four tablespoons of an automatic dish washing detergent and one quart of clean water. Set these cleanings to an easy to remember time, perhaps Memorial Day, or on an anniversary or birthday. Use a stiff bristled nylon brush (no wire brushes) and wet the stone with distilled or filtered water before applying the detergent solution. It is very important that you rinse properly and remove all of the detergent from the memorial and from the grass around it after you are finished washing.
For a more thorough cleaning the memorial can be pressure washed with up to 2000lbs of water pressure. Be sure to consult with the cemetery before performing any maintenance like pressure washing, they may be able to help perform this maintenance and there may be regulations regarding this type of work.
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