Gravestones Deserve Gentle, Expert Care
Whether it’s been months or years since your last visit, taking time to care for a loved one’s resting place is an act of love. And while many families are tempted to tend to a grave themselves, it’s important to understand that headstone cleaning is delicate, specialized work that goes beyond soap and water.
Without proper knowledge of the materials and techniques involved, even the most well-intended effort can cause permanent harm to a memorial stone. That’s why more and more families in the St. Louis metro area are choosing to trust local professionals for this meaningful task.
Why Gravestones Require Gentle Expertise
Headstones are exposed to rain, heat, frost, pollen, lichen, hard water, and industrial air pollution—especially in urban and suburban areas like Fairview Heights, Edwardsville, and Highland. Over time, these forces take a toll, leaving behind discoloration, staining, and biological growth that can slowly erode inscriptions and surfaces.
Different materials age differently:
- Granite resists staining but can lose polish and depth over time
- Marble is especially vulnerable to erosion and acid exposure
- Bronze darkens and oxidizes without proper maintenance
Using common household cleaners, pressure washers, or wire brushes — even with care — often causes irreversible damage. That’s why we only use safe, proven products and methods in our services - those trusted by industry professionals!
What Professional Grave Cleaning Includes
A professional headstone cleaning service does more than “make it look nice.” It begins with a respectful assessment of the monument’s condition, materials, and location. From there, a professional will:
- Use non-ionic, pH-neutral cleaners that won’t react with stone or metal
- Apply gentle hand tools and brushes approved by preservation experts
- Remove lichen, biological growth, and water staining without force
- Document the stone’s condition with before-and-after photos
Most importantly, professionals work with patience and reverence, treating each memorial as if it were their own family’s. It’s not just a service — it’s a form of stewardship.
How Often Should Headstones Be Cleaned?
In Illinois' climate, annual or biennial cleanings are typically sufficient for most memorials. However, shaded or damp plots may benefit from more frequent care. A brief seasonal checkup can also help catch small signs of wear before they become larger concerns.
Wherever your loved one rests in the greater St. Louis metro area, we can help maintain the dignity of their final resting place year-round.
Preserve More Than a Name — Preserve the Memory
At its heart, monument care is about more than maintenance. It’s about remembering. About showing respect across generations. And about ensuring that time, weather, and well-meaning mistakes don’t rob a legacy of its form.
Let us help you care for what matters most — safely, gently, and professionally.