Now that the warm weather is upon us, it is time to go outside and clean gravestones. Over time, gravestones can accumulate dirt, lichen, moss, algae, bird droppings, tree sap, soil splashing, mildew, and pollution, which can accelerate the deterioration of the stone and make it difficult to read. 

The purpose of cleaning headstones is not to make them look like new, but to be able to read them and keep from deteriorating further. 

Most headstones are made from granite, limestone, marble or slate. These four stones are popular options due to their durability and ability to be manipulated by craftspeople. However, they’re also porous — though slate tends to be the least so. 

And because they’re porous, it is easy for moisture and dirt to reach beneath the natural stone’s surface. There they can mingle with spores and allow organic growth to establish a foothold. At that point, it’s only a matter of time before you notice the green or black stains caused by organic growth. You may even spot lichen, a complex organism that sprouts to life when algae or certain bacteria combine with fungi.  ( Source: Wet and Forget website) 

I have  personally cleaned hundreds of headstones over the last several years and follow the guidelines set forth by MOCA – the Maine Old Cemetery Association. D/2 is considered the Cadillac of cleansers but I have had very good luck with Wet and Forget. It is more readily available at a fraction of the cost. 

Follow these steps:

1. Wet the stone thoroughly with clean water

2. Wait a few minutes for the water to loosen the debris. 

3. Use a plastic scraper to remove the debris. 

4. Rinse the stone. 

5. Use a soft nylon or natural bristle brushbrush to gently rub       the stone. 

6. A wooden skewer or toothbrush can be used to clean out the dirt in the inscription. 

7. Rinse the stone. 

8. Spray with Wet and Forget or D/2 and let the solution do its job. 

9. Be patient! It will take time for the sun, wind and rain to clean these surfaces. Badly stained stones may take up to a year. 

Both solutions are biodegradable, pH neutral and contain no salts, bleach or acids. They are effective on marble, granite and limestone and approved by the Department of Veteran Affairs. 

If none of these solutions is available, just plain water works wonders! 

Keep in mind:

1. DO NOT use a power washer or bleach. These items will damage a stone.

2. DO NOT use any type of abrasive scouring pad.

3. DO NOT attempt to clean a stone when the temperature is below 50 degrees, The best time for cleaning is in the summer and fall.

4. DO NOT clean a stone when rain is forecast for the next 12 hours. If it does rain, the procedure above must be repeated.

5. DO NOT scrub a stone if  loose or cracked This may cause it to fall over and break. 

There is a list of stones I plan to work on this summer and fall. If you would like a headstone cleaned please send me the name and cemetery location to the e-mail listed below.  I will get to as many as possible. Cleaning is done one stone at a time. 

Also, if you would not like a headstone cleaned, let me know that too. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Boothbay Region Lions Club for their donation of Wet and Forget that will allow me to take care of these headstones.  

Questions comments and suggestions are welcome here or you can e-mail bbcemeteries@proton.me. I will also help find the gravestones of family members.  

Please note: This column being written as a private citizen and has no connection to the Boothbay- Boothbay Harbor Cemetery District. All content, including projects and opinions, is the responsibility of the author.