Here are some
tips on how to care for a gravestone to increase its longevity:
·
Clean the gravestone from the bottom
instead of going from top to bottom. Washing the stone from the top may cause
the acids released from molds and lichens to spread on different areas of the
stone and, thereby, increase its chances of developing stains.
·
Do not wash a gravestone with
power washers as it may encourage water retention in the stone. Also, do not
use wire brushes, metal brushes, and harsh abrasives. Use only soft-bristled
toothbrush or plastic nylon brush to remove loose dirt, fungi, and lichen
spots.
·
Different types of gravestones
require different cleaning methods. Choose a cleaning method depending on the
type of material your loved one’s gravestone is made of.
·
Do not rub or scrub the
gravestone. Most people have the wrong notion that gravestone rubbing makes it
more appealing and increases its life. However, it is not so. Too much rubbing
and scrubbing can cause permanent damage to the stone as it encourages
abrasion.