How to Clean Bronze Grave Markers

Bronze is a popular choice for grave markers, especially for pet grave markers. They offer a dignified material and an elegant, timeless touch to markers.

Bronze is a metal that will develop a patina over time...it usually darkens over time, something many appreciate as marking the passage time. But others prefer the look of the original bronze.

It's a personal decision whether to clean the bronze enough to remove surface debris, or have the marker professionally cleaned or refinished back to its original state.

This article walks through the steps for the basic cleaning of a bronze grave marker, allowing the patina to develop over time. If you are looking to have a bronze grave marker restored to its original condition, there are refinishing and refurbishing services available. Monument sales companies can provide you with names of companies that provide this.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water
• Non-ionic soap or detergent
• Toothbrush
• Soft bristled brush
• Soft cloths or paper towels

1. Sweep away any leaves, grass clippings and other debris if the marker is placed horizontally in the ground.

2. Wet the marker with water and start with the soft bristled brush for large flat areas, and the toothbrush around and between letters or raised decorations. Rinse frequently to remove any debris you loosen.

3. Mix the non-ionic soap according to package directions. Scrub the bronze with whichever brush works best, if areas of the marker are stained or have resistant debris that elbow grease and water alone isn't removing.

4. Rinse very well with clean water and dry the marker. Check for any areas that may need a touch up. Give them another scrub, rinse and dry the area.

Tips & Warnings

• If your bronze grave marker is mounted on a stone marker, any of the cleaning methods used on the bronze will be fine to use on the stone. Granite and marble will withstand some scrubbing, but if the bronze is mounted on limestone, be gentle. Limestone is very porous and soft and can be easily scratched.
• Avoid most household cleansers, detergents, soaps and particularly bleach or ammonia, which can permanently damage the bronze. Bleach and ammonia can also kill the grass or plantings around the marker.
• Also avoid shaving cream, which is sometimes touted as a magic cleaner for grave markers, cleaning them instantly. It does do that, but it's acidic in nature and leaves behind a residue that causes permanent damage.

Resources

• Photo credit