This is a practice that is being banned in some states and in many cemeteries. Connecticut has particular problems because of the many gravestones that are sandstone. These stones will erode internally leaving the surface (that has hardened over the years due to environmental exposure) seemingly very stable for rubbing when in fact the stone is hollow beneath. The pressure of wax rubbing or cleaning can cause the stone to fracture or implode, if you will, causing irrevocable damage to an historic artifact. Many cemeteries now ask for permits before you are allowed to do rubbings; check this information out in advance.

1) Be sure the stone you choose is stable; completely stable.

2) Be sure that your medium will in no way leave any residue on the stone.

3) Be sure that you completely cover the entire stone before beginning your rubbing, making sure that it is securely taped down. If only doing lunettes, please be sure that a large enough area is covered to protect the stone. Doing a rubbing with waxes is not the only medium used these days for copying that image you are so fond of. Check other resources and learn more about other techniques like dabbing and foiling.

Use signs to inform visitors of regulations and efforts of a local group to protect this historic place.

When possible, lighting helps to deter vandals and unwanted night time loiterers.

Remove scrub trees and prune shrubs to prevent damage to stones and consider replacing weedy overgrowth with close lying ground covers (another way to eliminate mowing around stones). See below for details.

Enough with the wire brushes! Would you clean your teeth with a wire brush?

Wire brushes, metal instruments and abrasive pads may give you instant satisfaction but, if you clean with anything that is harder than the stone, you risk scratching the face of the stone and causing more damage in the long run. The same goes for acidic cleaners which includes most household cleaners. Powerwashers are also NOT recommended. Anything that puts out greater than 60 psi is too much force to use on OLD and fragile stones. A garden hose putting out a gentle soaking spray is enough to clean and flush the stone (garden type sprayers also work well).

Stones are composed of minerals and salts. Adding chemicals to them can often cause chemical reactions that will erode the stone faster than if you just left it alone. CGN recommends that you use the following low tech method and consult with us or professionals before using other methods. Remember, we respect our monument dealers but often we are talking OLD gravestones, not the granite that has been used for the past century. Each stone may need its own diagnosis; what is good in one situation is not necessarily good for all.

For marble, limestone and sandstone, use water and soft bristle brushes, natural or nylon . Granted it doesn't sound like a miracle cleaner and it doesn't happen quickly but with some patience and time this will clean most environmental soiling and lichens from stones. Keep the stone wet at all times; really wet. Where a garden hose is not available, be sure to bring plenty of jugs of water and keep dowsing the stone as you work and, most importantly, flush the stone well when done. Scrub the stone from the bottom up to avoid streaking and further staining.

Household ammonia can be used if one can stand the aroma, but again be sure you flush the stone completely, more than one or two times, when you are done. Wearing proper eye protection is also a must.

If lichen is a problem, you can scrape with a wooden or plastic scraper. Tongue blades or craft sticks work well. Also, inexpensive plastic putty scrapers from home stores work well. Remember, no metal.

NO, NO, NO! Don't seal or waterproof your gravestones. A stone has to be allowed to have air and water pass through it. Any repair or cleaning technique that would prevent this process will have later damaging effects on your stone. The stone is in direct contact with the soil and will wick up whatever is around it. That includes cleaning chemicals, herbicides and water. Sealing, waterproofing or coating the stone face with any sealing process would inhibit its ability to naturally evaporate this moisture from inside the stone. This will cause new damage and expansion problems. Thoroughly investigate the issue before making a decision on such a process.

A consolidation process (which is costly and must be done by certified technicians) has been used on sandstones in some areas and so far has been successful. Speak to a certified conservator to learn more about this process.

Gravestones can't be treated the same as buildings. Cleaners and products that are recommended for buildings of the same material are not to be assumed appropriate for gravestones. Unlike a building, they are buried and in direct contact with the soil and are exposed on all sides to the environment. Newer stones or granite and stones with large foundation bases may be treated differently than an old 1700's sandstone tablet.