Monuments are not only a lasting memorial to a loved one, they tell your family’s story for generations. A monument says, “This person lived,” and gives a small glimpse into how that person lived and who that person loved. Keeping a monument looking clean and untarnished is a simple process. Here’s how.

Cleaning a Granite Headstone

The key to cleaning a granite headstone is using a non-ionic detergent. Non-ionic detergents contain surface agents that change water by lowering surface tension letting the cleaning solution wet a surface quickly to loosen and rinse away dirt according to reference.com.

Some non-ionic laundry detergent brands are Gain, Cheer, Tide, Era, Ivory, and Arm & Hammer. Electrasol is a non-ionic dishwashing detergent.

Supplies needed to clean a granite monument are:

• Soft bristle brush (a toothbrush will work just fine)
• 1 ounce of non-ionic detergent to 5 gallons of water in a bucket
• Cleaning gloves
• Sponge or soft cloth
• Large spray bottle with clean water

How to Clean a Granite Monument

1. Spray the monument with clean water to soak the headstone before applying the detergent. Granite can be porous and absorb the water before the detergent can work.
2. Then, using the soft brush or cloth, apply the cleaning solution to the monument using a small, circular motion. Start cleaning at the bottom and work your way to the top to avoid streaking. Avoid areas where there is flaking or scratching
3. Clean and rinse small sections at a time so the detergent doesn’t dry on the granite.

Cleaning a Marble Headstone

Use household cleaning ammonia to clean a marble monument. Dilute the ammonia to water using a 1:4 ratio (1 cup of ammonia to 4 cups of water).

Supplies Needed to Clean a Marble Headstone

• Soft bristle brush (a toothbrush will work just fine)
• Household cleaning ammonia diluted using a 1:4 ratio
• Cleaning gloves
• Sponge or soft cloth
• Large spray bottle with clean water

How to Clean a Marble Headstone

1. Spray the monument with clean water to soak the headstone before applying the detergent. Marble can be porous and absorb the water before the cleaning solution can work.
2. Then, using the soft brush or cloth, apply the cleaning solution to the monument using a small, circular motion. Start cleaning at the bottom and work your way to the top to avoid streaking. Avoid areas where there is flaking or scratching.
3. Clean and rinse small sections at a time so the detergent doesn’t dry on the marble.

Cleaning a Bronze Marker

Like with granite, a mild non-ionic detergent can be used to clean a bronze monument. Bronze is not porous, though, so there is no need to wet it down before applying the cleaner. A particularly dirty bronze memorial may require a special bronze cleaner such as Wrights Copper and Brass Cream Cleaner. Bronze is a copper alloy so a copper cleaner will work beautifully on bronze.

Supplies Needed for Cleaning a Bronze Marker

• Soft bristle brush (a toothbrush will work just fine)
• Cleaning gloves
• Soft cloth
• Large spray bottle with just a few drops of non-ionic detergent diluted in water
• If needed, a bronze cleaner such as Wright’s Copper and Brass Cream Cleaner
• Silicone-free wax to polish the bronze marker (optional)

How to Clean a Bronze Marker

1. Spray the marker with a detergent and water cleaning solution. Immediately begin wiping away dirt and debris with the soft cloth.
2. Use the bronze cleaner and soft brush according to product directions to remove stubborn grime.
3. Rinse the marker completely.
4. (Optional) Apply a thin layer of silicone-free wax. Buff with a soft cloth according to product directions.

Do you have any questions about cleaning a monument? Call Oldham Monument at 660-376-2508.

We’re happy to help.