In the spring of the year and as we approach Decoration Day we are often asked about ways to clean cemetery memorials. Over time, regardless of whether your cemetery memorial is granite, bronze, marble, upright or flat exposure to the elements will cause deterioration to their appearance. This deterioration caused most often by exposure to sunlight, moisture, sap and falling tree leaves, temperature fluctuations, bird droppings, and biological growths like lichen or moss.

To aid you in your cemetery spring clean-up we have put together an easy to follow guide on how to clean a cemetery memorial.

Now it wouldn’t be right if we did not start out with a disclaimer:

First and foremost you should always exercise caution when deciding to clean a memorial. You should not attempt to clean an unstable or physically damaged memorial. A memorial that is wobbly, tippy or leaning can easily fall over. You should never climb or allow others especially small children to climb on cemetery memorials out of respect and again because it could tip over, injuring you or others and damaging the memorial. If you are concerned about the stability of a memorial please report it to cemetery staff so the concern can be addressed.

Physically damaged memorials that contain chips, cracks, pitting, or peeling may be further damaged by cleaning efforts. If the memorial you are cleaning shows signs of damage it is best to consult cemetery staff before proceeding as restorative efforts may be necessary.

Getting Started

It is best to clean cemetery memorials on an overcast day as exposure to high temperatures or sunlight can cause the water to evaporate too quickly. It should also be noted that cleaning a memorial during freezing temperatures will also be quite ineffective.

Certain products should not be used on memorials as they can permanently damage the finish or colour of your memorial. Oil or wax based products, metal scraping tools, harsh chemical soaps or cleaning products should never be used to clean memorials. These products can leave residues that stain, leave scratches or permanently discolour the finish of the memorial.

Prior to your visit to the cemetery you will need to assemble a few items in order to be able to proceed with cleaning. Below is a list of appropriate materials that can be used to clean a memorial. Most can be found at home or your local dollar store.

• Water: This is essential for effective memorial cleaning. To ensure you will have access to water we suggest brining a minimum of 5 gallons but the more you have the better. Some cemeteries have taps where you can access water, but phone ahead to make sure there are useable. You may have to walk a distance from your parking spot to the memorial you are cleaning so consider bringing the water in smaller portable containers or jugs. Also bring a bucket to be able to wet/rinse your tools and brushes.
• Brushes: We suggest bringing two types of brushes a toothbrush and a larger scrub brush made of uncoloured, soft nylon or natural bristles. Never use a brush with metal bristles or steel wool pads these will scratch and discolour memorial finishes.
• Scraping Tools: Wood or plastic scraping instruments of varying sizes will help remove the biological growths like lichen and moss, which cling to the surfaces of damp/shaded memorials. Popsicle sticks or plastic scrapers work well. Never use metal scraping tools as they can scratch and damage memorial finishes.
• Sponge: A natural, uncoloured sponge will help wet or wipe down the memorial during cleaning.
• Towels: Old towels will help you dry your tools, memorial and hands.

How to clean your memorial in 6 steps

Step 1: Remove any debris like loose leaves, or old flower pots from around the gravesite.

Step 2: Thoroughly wet the memorial either by pouring water over the surface or by using a dampened sponge. Try to keep the memorial thoroughly wet during the cleaning process to avoid any dry to dry surface contact, as this could damage the surface of the memorial.

Step 3: Using a scraping tool remove any moss or lichen growths. Remember to keep tools clean by frequently dipping or soaking in fresh water and by changing the water in your bucket regularly.

Step 4: To clean an upright memorial begin by working from the top down, to clean a flat memorial work from one side to the other. With a damp sponge work in circular, rubbing motions to remove dirt and debris from the surface of the memorial and rinse thoroughly. Working from the top down or from one side to the other ensures that cleaned areas do not become further soiled when rinsing away debris.

Step 5: Examine the memorial’s surface, paying close attention to areas that look particularly dirty, once again you can wet the surface with your sponge and use a wet brush or scraping tools to try and help remove the soiling.

Step 6: Thoroughly rinse the memorial with clean water and repeat until you are satisfied with the results.

After step 6 if you are not completely satisfied with the result it may be time to consider alternative cleaning methods. You can contact the cemetery office to find out about our memorial powerwashing service or about memorial restoration services.

Happy Cleaning!