[or-roots] more on headstone cleaning

[ffarner at coinet.com]

Every summer my wife and I go 'on the road' and do genealogy.  This often
means searching out grave markers.  Some we see nearly every year, and
some we will see only once.  Our goal is to a)locate the graves, and
b)record the marker with our digital camera.  This variety of markers also
includes every level of care, and non-care one could ever imagine.  We
gave up several years ago, trying to do any cleaning, except for tall
grasses.  We found that by carrying a relatively small mirror (about 16" X
20") allowed us to slant light onto the stone so as to cause the markings
to cast strong shadows.  Sometimes we have to 'slant' the sun in from one
side, take a picture, then slant in from the other side.  Then we have to
combine the two so we may collect and read all the information later when
we are home.

If this explaination is unclear, the please contact me and I'll try to do
better.

My two cents,

Fred F


> Try this site for good information................
>
> http://www.everlifememorials.com/headstones/cleaning-cemetery-tombstones.htm
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> "CLEANING DON'TS
>
>   a.. Wire brushes, metal instruments, abrasive pads (Scotchbrite, Brillo,
> Steel wool)
>
>   b.. Acid or acidic cleaners (especially on marble or limestone!)
> (Should only be used by conservators with proper training on
> non-calcareous stone)
>
>   c.. Household cleaners:  soap (Ivory), detergents (liquid or powder),
> Borax, Clorox, TSP, Calgon, Fantastik, Formula 409, Spic and Span (or
> any other abrasive cleaner)
>
> REMEMBER:  The use of improper cleaning materials and practices can cause
> serious and irreparable damage to gravestones!  Make sure the stone is
> stable before attempting to clean it - no flaking, delaminating, etc."
>