Eternal Stone Care

🕊️ Eternal Stone Care: Headstone & Marker Cleaning FAQs

Our Services & Safety

Q: What services does Eternal Stone Care provide?

A: We specialize exclusively in the safe, professional, non-invasive cleaning of gravestones, headstones, and markers to remove damaging biological growth such as dirt, grime, moss, algae, and lichen. We DO NOT offer repair, leveling, or restoration services.

Q: Why do you only offer cleaning and not repair or leveling?

A: Our focus is purely on preservation through gentle cleaning. Structural repairs and leveling require specific expertise and licenses from memorial masons or stone conservators. We maintain this clear distinction to ensure we provide the highest quality service within our specialization.

Q: What is your cleaning method, and is it safe for historic stones?

A: We use a museum-approved, preservative cleaning method. We only use gentle, pH-neutral, non-ionic cleaning solutions (such as specialized biological cleaners) and soft, natural-bristle brushes. We NEVER use harsh chemicals (like bleach or acids), wire brushes, scrapers, or high-pressure power washing, as these methods can cause irreparable surface damage and structural weakening.

Q: What types of markers do you clean?

A: We clean all common monument materials, including granite, marble, limestone, slate, and fieldstones. We perform a preliminary assessment to ensure the material can be safely cleaned using our gentle methods.

Getting Started & Approval

Q: Do you need permission to clean a gravestone?

A: Yes. For ethical and regulatory reasons, we require confirmation that you are the next-of-kin or have explicit permission from the family or estate to authorize the cleaning. We also check and adhere to all local cemetery or churchyard regulations before starting work.

Q: How is pricing determined?

A: Pricing is based on the size of the monument (flat marker vs. upright headstone), the material (which dictates the cleaning time), and the severity of the biological growth. We provide a free, no-obligation quote with an initial photo assessment before any work is scheduled.

Q: How do I book a cleaning service?

A: Simply contact us with the name on the marker, the cemetery name, and the plot/section number (if known). If possible, please include a recent photo of the marker. We will then conduct a preliminary assessment and provide a detailed quote.

Process & Results

Q: What does a full cleaning service include?

A: Our service includes:

A thorough assessment of the stone’s condition.

Wetting and application of the professional-grade biological cleaning solution.

Gentle scrubbing and repeated rinsing with clean water.

Light clearing of surface debris (leaves, small weeds) immediately surrounding the marker base.

Q: Will the headstone look "brand new" after cleaning?

A: Our goal is preservation and improving legibility, not erasing the stone’s history. Cleaning removes the damaging biological growth and soiling, which significantly lightens and clarifies the stone. While the results are often dramatic, the final appearance will reflect the natural patina and aging of the stone material.

Q: How long does it take to see results from the cleaning?

A: While much of the surface dirt is removed immediately, the specialized biological cleaners we use continue to work for days or even weeks after we leave. Full results, particularly the removal of deep-seated lichen and dark stains, will continue to improve over time as weather assists the cleaning agents.

Q: How often should a headstone be professionally cleaned?

A: We typically recommend a professional cleaning every 3 to 5 years, depending on the stone material and the local environment (e.g., proximity to trees or shade increases the speed of re-growth).

Q: What happens if you find damage on the stone?

A: We will not clean a loose, structurally unsound, flaking, or heavily damaged stone. If we discover significant damage (cracks, major chips, instability) during our initial on-site assessment, we will pause the job, notify you immediately, and recommend contacting a stone conservator for repair before proceeding with any cleaning.

Q: How do I know the work has been completed?

A: We provide high-resolution before-and-after photos with a date and time stamp for every service. This documentation confirms the work is complete and provides a visible record of the stone's improvement.