At the Johns-Carabelli Co., we use only the finest materials available to produce distinctive memorials, signage and other natural stone products. However, like your car or the windows of your home, periodic cleaning or restoration services may be required.

People often ask us “What can I use to clean Mom’s headstone?” Our best answer to this question is “plain water and a soft brush”. While is true that granite is one of the hardest materials on earth, the glossy appearance or polish can be fragile and easily-damaged.

To be clear, this polish is not achieved by applying something to the surface like a varnish or sealant, but rather by closing the surface like sanding wood. The difference is in granite polishing, the grit sequence begins around 50/60 and finishes around 3000! This process is more similar to polishing a gemstone; it is the stone itself that shines.

The polish can easily be damaged if products with harsh chemicals are used. Some examples include cleaners with ammonia or petroleum distillates that are too acidic, as they will burn the polished surface, ruining your precious memorial. In addition, it is important to determine what type of dirt or stain is present, as different culprits respond differently. Only a professional can determine the appropriate products to use.

Other people ask, “How often should a headstone or monument be cleaned?” Again, there isn’t just one correct answer. The size and shape of the stone can play a role in determining the answer. Headstones that are set level with the ground may require more frequent attention than larger works that are higher off the ground.

The color of granite can also play a part in the answer. Even though most granites are relatively similar in hardness, some are more susceptible than others to absorb and retain moisture. As a result, more porous stones will get dirty quicker than their less porous counterparts. In addition, unpolished granite will get dirty faster than polished granite because the open “pores” of unpolished granite will allow the detritus to stick to its surface more readily than on polished granite. The closed “pores” of a polished surface will allow rainwater to do a better job of washing away the elements.

Another very popular material for cemetery memorials is bronze. Like granite, bronze can vary in its concentration of elements. These elements include copper, tin and often aluminum, manganese and nickel and zinc. The ratio of these elements can and does vary and so can affect its appearance over time. The brownish color that is usually present is a paint that is applied to the bronze after casting and it is usually coated with another material to increase the color’s durability.

Bronze is often called “the eternal metal” because of the natural oxidation that occurs over time creates a greenish patina. Once the patina is present, it actually protects the bronze from further deterioration. In this situation, it can be argued that “dirty” is better than “clean”. If you’ve ever seen the “Weeping Angel” bronze figure at Lake View Cemetery that is the focal point of the Haserodt family monument erected by the Carabelli Company, you can attest to how much more striking the figure is than if it were “shiny and new”.

The same holds true for many large intricately carved monuments that fill cemeteries all over Northeast Ohio. The collection of years of dirt buildup actually helps compliment the detailed carvings and moldings by enhancing the shadows, textures and elevations of finely-carved stone, enhancing the inherent beauty of a memorial.

You can trust the artisans of The Johns-Carabelli Co. to recommend and utilize the proper products and methods for your particular restoration project.