Hi All, Got this in my email on Fri., wonder what the groups thoughts are on the advice given. Yes I am just a little behind on my email. Only 373 more to go, lol. Thanks and have a great week, Frank McCollister FAMILY TREE FINDERS Friday - 21 September 2001 A Reader's Question: Cleaning Gravestones Q: Just dropped by to ask what was correct to use to clean gravestones of my ancestors. - Elizabeth A: This has long been a subject of controversy. I have heard many different suggestions when it comes to cleaning gravestones, and unfortunately many of the methods are damaging to the stone, thus shortening its lifespan. It is good that you have asked before going ahead. First, while it is not required, I suggest that you check with the cemetery before cleaning a stone. It is possible that they may have some guidelines based on the type of stones found in the cemetery. There are some definite don'ts though that you should be aware of before working on any stone. You may be tempted to use a detergent of some kind. This is usually a not a good idea. Before resorting to anything, you should first try to clean the stone with just water. When combined with a soft bristled brush or a sponge, this is usually all that is necessary to clean up the stone. When it comes to cleaning stones, least is best. So you will want alternatives only after having tried water. Be sure that any brush that you use is soft bristled. You do not want to use any wired brush or any abrasive pad (the Brillo pads come to mind). You might also find small wooden sticks, such as Popsicle sticks helpful and they are not too hard on the stone. Before using any type of chemical cleaner on the stone, you want to test you cleaning method on a small inconspicuous spot of the stone. That way you do not take a chance of harming the entire stone should the cleaner be too harsh for the stone. Just as shaving cream is not encouraged when trying to make out a worn stone, likewise it should not be used in cleaning stones either. You will also want to avoid any cleaners that contan sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and ammonium carbonate. These tend to build up salts on the monuments, which is harmful to the monument. For a list of possible cleaners that you might be able to use on the stone, you will want to see "Review and Evaluation of Selected Brand Name Materials for Cleaning Gravestones" by Tracy C. Walther. You will find this article at the Frequently Asked Questions page of the Association for Gravestone Studies (http://www.gravestonestudies.org/faq.htm). In fact, you will want to read up on the Association for Gravestone Studies (http://www.gravestonestudies.org/) as they strive to preserve the gravestones and are an excellent repository for information on grave stones. Rhonda R. McClure rhondam@sodamail.com