Cleaning Gravestones In order for any hobby to be interesting, it must have a challenge or two. In a cemetery, some of the most interesting stones present the greatest challenge by their ability to cloak themselves with fungus, moss and just plain dirt. The worst seems to settle in the exact spot where the date or name has been inscribed. Of course, we are prepared, aren't we? In our box of tools we added the following: a jug of clear water; a spray bottle for the water; bristle brushes (not wire) of varying sizes; craft sticks (popsicle ones do well), and; a sponge. These items may seem rather basic, but then we are not professionals. There are so many different types of material used in making stones that only a very knowledgeable person should use any type of chemical-based cleaner. Soaps and cleansers and bleaches can do irreparable damage in the wrong hands so it's best to leave them at home. Examine the stone carefully before using your tools. Check for cracks. It's possible that mere pressure from a small brush could cause flaking or worse. If the composition is granular you might take away parts which would leave reading the information impossible. Keywords here are extreme care and respect. We don't want to leave it worse off than before we tried to do our good deed. If the growth or dirt is not too thick, spray it with the water and leave it to soften. If the substance is thick, use the sponge to soak it really well. Meanwhile you can go on recording other stones and locating ones that need a bit of cleaning as well. When you return and still cannot remove it, do not try to force the removal by using too much pressure. Perhaps it is not all soaked to the point of being soft enough. Repeat the process. This may seem rather tedious but could be worth it in the end. Doing research on this subject, I ran across an article written by Tracy C. Walther, an Architectural Conservator. He suggests that it is okay to use a non-ionic detergent such as Photo-Flo which is made by the Kodak company. From others I have gleaned that the instructions for its use are clear and all you need is water for mixing. I am not promoting this product in any way, but some of you may be aware of its existence or are familiar with using it. Household ammonia requires special handling so I wouldn't even attempt it for you would need a pressure water hose and testing materials. The best rule of thumb is to keep it simple and stick with the water and brushes (not wire). As a parting thought, what to do if you just can't get to reading the stone after all your work? The church affiliated with the cemetery just might still have its old records available and if you are able to find a sympathetic ear you could very well get the information from the person in charge of the burials. Another is the local undertaker, for they usually keep their records. Go forth, gather the data and feel good about yourself. You are doing a wonderful, needed deed to encourage our descendants to take pride in their ancestors. Archives: Part One: Introduction to the Wonderful World of Cemetery Research Part Two: Recording Gravestone Information Part Three: The Face of a Gravestone Part Four: Cleaning Gravestones Part Five: Restore or Beautify? Part Six: Are Your Ancestors Buried Here? Part Seven: Visit to an Ancestor Comments or Suggestions? Contact Patsy by E-Mail Back to Musings from the Cemetery Patsy's Mailbag