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A Monumental Cleaning Task
Dear Heloise: Several years ago, I saw an article in the newspaper where you told us how to CLEAN A MONUMENT in the cemetery. I didn't cut it out and don't remember what it was. -- Virginia Fulks, Snyder, Texas
First, do no harm! In this case, "less is more," and while it might not sound like much of a "hint," first try only plain water and a microfiber cloth, terry towel or soft sponge.
You don't want to damage a stone that's been there for a long time, and keep in mind that gravestones are made of very different substances. Bronze, marble and limestone all require different cleaning methods.
Three steps to remember when you're cleaning a gravestone:
1) Pre-wet the surface before you begin.
2) Start from the bottom and work up to prevent the dirty water from further staining the marker.
3) Keep the stone very wet as you work and RINSE EXTREMELY WELL.
Cleaning tombstones can be very tricky, so you should always call a professional monument-cleaning company if the task looks too hard, or the stones are very old or crumbly. Remember that simply using water and a cloth might do the trick. -- Heloise
P.S.: If there is no running water available, be sure to take several buckets and lots of water!
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