Gravestones and monuments are timeless objects of remembrance, identifying the final resting places of loved ones lost. After a time, the stone, which was once clean, may become blackened by mold, mildew, algae, lichen, or a variety of other external elements like pollution. For a family, there is no more disappointing moment than to see black marks on a headstone because that headstone represents a time-honored memory. If you are trying to figure out how to get the black off headstones, this will cover the contamination agents, as well as the most appropriate ways to clean these monuments, and understand their role and importance in maintaining the memory and the honor of that person.
Understanding Black Stains on Headstones
Before we go into how to clean black stains, we should understand what causes headstones to develop stains. Various agents contribute to blackening headstones depending on their location and materials used for construction.
Biological Factors
The largest contributor to headstone deterioration is most likely to be mold, mildew, algae, and lichen. These living things reside among the rocks or surfaces of the stone, particularly in damp, shady areas. These organisms feed off organic debris, moisture, and nutrient material. After time, these substances will cause stains on the surface of the stone.
Pollution
In urban areas or metropolitan centers, pollutants, such as black soot, automobile exhaust, and industrial waste can eventually collect on headstones, leading to a black discoloration, usually giving the appearance of blackened stone.
Natural Weathering
Headstones are exposed to environmental factors, twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. Wind, rain, snow, heat, and sunlight can become damaging to and erode headstone materials. A grave stone or memorial’s dirt or grime can accumulate faster based on the environmental conditions surrounding the location.
Understanding the source of contamination is critical for determining the best approaches for cleaning.
Caution Prior to Cleaning Headstones
Cleaning a headstone may entail difficulty. The aim is to restore the stone’s appearance, while essentially being delicate with the stone. Here are some helpful things to consider before cleaning:
- Determine the Stone: Headstones may be made from a number of materials such as granite, marble, sandstone, and limestone. Each stone requires different cleaning processes. For instance, marble is much softer, and more porous than granite, and requires more pampering.
- Examine the Stone: If the stone is cracked, flaking, or not in good shape, you may want to consider not cleaning, or calling in a professional. Some stones may not be able to be cleaned due to the blunders of cracking, investigation, etc. will cause irreversible damage.
- Use Non-Damaging Cleaners: Use only gentle, non-abrasive cleaners that will not diminish the stone. Some very harsh chemicals, especially acid or bleach, may damage the stone in an irreversible manner, and even possibly worse than before cleaning.
By considering all of these items you can be assured the headstone will remain complete and intact after completion of the cleaning process.
Best Methods for Cleaning Black Stains from Headstones
Now that you understand the causes and condition of the stone, you are ready to start the cleaning process. Here are recommended cleaning methods that you can use to remove black stains from headstones safely.
1. Cleaning with Water and Soft Bristle Brush
One of the simplest and safest methods for cleaning headstones is to use water and a soft-bristled brush.
How to Clean a Tombstone: Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, you want to soak the stone with clean water first. This will loosen the dirt and soften the biological growths.
- After soaking, use a soft brush with reasonably soft bristle to gently scrub the stained areas in a circular motion. Avoid using wire brushes or anything that is too abrasive, as it will scratch the stone surface.
- Rinse with clean water often as you scrub to ensure the dirt and grime are being washed away.
- Continue this process until the stains have been cleaned, which could take several applications for stubborn stains.
Why it works: Because this method is non-invasive and uses no chemicals, using only water can be very effective (especially if the black staining is superficial or due to only dirt build-up).
2. D/2 Biological Solution: A Professional Cleaner
D/2 Biological Solution is a specialized cleaner commonly used by professionals to effectively remove biological growth (mold, algae, lichen) from headstones without damaging the stone.
Step-by-Step Process for Using D/2:
- Spray the D/2 solution freely onto the headstone, covering all the black stains.
- Let the solution sit for a minimum of 5-10 minutes to allow it to break down the biological growth.
- Using a soft-bristled brush, lightly scrub the stone.
- Rinse the area with plain clean water, and repeat the process if necessary.
The cleaner will continue to work over time, so you may even see the stains fading after the cleaning.
Why does D/2 Biological cleaning solution work? It is specifically formulated for cleaning historic and modern monuments. D/2 is biodegradable and pH neutral, which is safe for headstones of all types including granite and marble stones.
3. Poulticing Stubborn Black Stains
An effective way of trying to remove those black stains that may be from pollution or from something very firmly ingrained in the limestone or marble of the porous headstone, is a process called poulticing. A poultice is a paste created by combining a porous material like baking soda or kaolin clay with water or a cleaning solution.
Step-by-Step Guide to Poultice Stubborn Stains:
- Mix the absorbent material (baking soda, clay, etc.) with either water or D/2 cleaning solution to create a mixing paste.
- Once you have a thick paste, spoon the mix over the stained area, and make sure the paste covers the black marks.
- Let the paste sit on the stone until completely dry, which can take several hours or even a day.
- Once completely dried, you will scrape the paste off using a wooden or plastic scraper.
- Finally rinse the stone and help it dry completely.
How does the poultice work? Poulticing draws out any deeply set stains in the stone, such as organic stains or pollution that are trapped possibly in the pores of the stone.
4. Employing a Non-Ionic Detergent
If confronted with severe contamination, a non-ionic detergent, such as Orvus or Ivory Soap, is capable of breaking down grease and stains without harming the stone itself.
Step-by-Step Procedures for Cleaning a Headstone:
- Mix the non-ionic detergent with water, using a small amount of detergent and mix according to the manufacturer’s suggestions.
- Using a soft brush or sponge, apply it gently to the areas where staining has occurred.
- Scrub lightly, taking care not to use too much pressure.
- Rinse thoroughly, rinsing all of the soap off the stone.
The Reason it Works: Non-ionic detergents are mild and without harmful residues, which is perfect when caring for memorial stones.
Long-Term Care and Maintenance for Memorial Headstones
Once the gravestone has been cleaned, you might be wondering: How do I stop future black stains from forming? Unfortunately, you cannot completely protect the stone from the elements. However, you can take a few measures to slow the process down:
- Schedule Regular Cleanings: You can try cleaning on a regular basis, maybe once a year, to avoid the build-up. Try to always rinse and use the same, safe approach as described above to avoid staining the stone too deeply.
- Improve Drainage: If the area around the gravestone always holds water, it may create a ‘perfect storm’, leading to mold and mildew. Check to make sure the area around the memorial has proper drainage to avoid moisture build-up.
- Refrain from Using Harmful Chemicals: Some feel it is easiest to quickly remove the black stains by using bleach, or another acid-based cleaner, however the bleach or cleaner may remove dirt, but it may also harm the stone beyond repair; it may also deposit a layer that will harm the stone in the long run. It is best to stick with one of the safe and proven cleaners such as D/2 or good old fashioned water cleaning.
Common Inquiries About Caring for Headstones
- Is bleaching agent an acceptable cleaner for headstones?
No. Bleach can harm the stone – especially soft stone like marble or limestone – and it leaves a white deposit which forever changes the appearance of the headstone. - How often should I clean a headstone?
Once a year or whenever there is clearly a significant amount of dirt, algae or mildew on the stone. Do not clean over and over, because scrubbing can perpetuate deterioration of the stone in fragile situations. - What if the headstone is too weak or in poor condition to clean?
If the stone is cracked, flaking or brittle, cleaning is best done by a conservator who does monument conservation. They understand these cleaner applications. - Are pressure washers acceptable to use on headstones?
Pressure washing is not recommended, unless its broad application is simply not that forceful; it can damage surfaces of stones. Using watering and soft brushes, using non-ionic detergent is the gentlest method. - How do I prevent black mold from returning to the headstone?
Improving drainage in the area surrounding the headstone. Allowing directed sunlight on the memorial will mitigate growth. Lastly, routinely cleaning the stone headstone may be necessary. - What cleaning solution is best to use on an old historical headstone?
Water and soft brush is best for an old headstone. If deeper cleaning is warranted then the use of D/2 Biological Solution is best advised for historical or official monuments; it is safe and effective.
