Historic Monuments Cleaning Instructions.pdf

NATIONAL CEMETERY ADMINISTRATION

MONUMENT/MEMORIAL MAINTENANCE CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

The goal of cleaning historic monuments is to remove any surface dirt, grime, salts, bird droppings, leaves, or other vegetation, and lichens, algae, mosses or other biological growth.

This cleaning process is NOT intended to remove staining or severe soiling—the monument may not look new when you finish. However, by removing surface dirt, grime, and foreign matter, you will be significantly contributing to the care of the monument. Caution is preferable to overcleaning a monument. If you are concerned about stains or severe soiling and need special guidance, photograph those areas of the monument and send them to: History Program, National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, sara.leach@va.gov, or 202-632-5894, jennifer.perunko@va.gov or 202-632-5441.

Cleaning should only be undertaken in months when the daily and nightly temperatures are above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Stone will need several days to dry thoroughly and if the water within the stone freezes, it could cause significant damage to the monument.

Before cleaning, carefully inspect the monument. Do not clean the monument if:

• there are areas where stone appears to be fragile (if you touch it and particles come off),

• orange corrosion is present on metal,

• bronze or zinc appears to be peeling or flaking, has powdery white or green corrosion, or other questionable condition,

• bronze plaques, sculpture, or details are loose and water could penetrate behind them,

• mortar or grout has fallen out or is loose and water could penetrate the interior of the monument.

If these conditions are present, photograph the damage and contact the History Program for further guidance.

Cleaning should be done at least once a year, in most locations during spring or fall. However, if you notice soiling to the monument—such as from bird droppings, surrounding trees, or mud— you may need to clean more frequently.

Supplies Unless otherwise noted, the supplies needed for this task will be available at any hardware or home improvement store.

Water

Locate the water source in the cemetery and if possible, run a hose to the monument to provide water for cleaning. If the water source is known to have rust, lime, or other impurities consider bringing clean water to the site.

If it is not possible to run a hose to the monument or if you have to bring in water, make sure that the containers are clean and have not been used to transport cleaners or chemicals.

Do not use power washers. Do not attach a needle-nose or other high-pressure nozzle to the hose. Only use the water pressure that naturally would occur in the hose or in placing your thumb over the hose nozzle.

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National Cemetery Administration Monument/Memorial Maintenance Cleaning Instructions 2

Water should be cool to lukewarm. If the hose has been sitting in the sun, flush any warm water out before using it. Warm water could damage stone and could cause the wax coating on bronze plaques or sculpture to deteriorate.

Brushes

Use natural bristled, wood-handled brushes. Avoid brushes with colored plastic handles (plastic could scrape monument materials and leave colored particles) and avoid brushes that have a metal band that hold the bristles in place because the metal could scratch the stone. If it is not possible to avoid a brush with a metal band, wrap it in painters, masking, or duct tape so there are no rough edges that could scratch the stone.

Soft brushes such as those that are used for washing or grooming large animals are good choices for cleaning monuments and may be found at farm supply stores. Brushes used for cleaning vegetables can be used to gently clean detailed areas.

Bamboo skewers may be carefully used to dislodge dirt and debris between letters on plaques or from other sculpted areas. Wooden scrapers may be used to carefully remove lichens and algae.

Do not use any wire brushes, metal scrapers, or abrasive pads when cleaning the monument.

Cleaners Do not use soaps, detergents, or other cleaning agents when washing the monument even those that have been recommended for this purpose in the treatment report. Water is the only thing needed to remove surface dirt, grime, and foreign matter. NCA does not recommend the standard use of D/2 Biological Solution for cleaning of stone elements on monuments or memorials, however if soiling is severe NCA may instruct you on further cleaning steps using this product.

Other Supplies Plastic sheeting, such as 4-mil clear polyethylene Blue painters tape Soft, lint-free cloth

Lift Equipment/Ladders

Only use equipment that can rest securely on the ground without damaging the lawn. If necessary, you may need to lay plywood sheets down.

Do not allow equipment/ladders to touch the monument itself.

Washing Monuments with Bronze or Metals

If the monument includes bronze or other metals, clean these elements first with a dry, clean, soft bristle brushes and bamboo skewers if there are small crevices such as between letters on a plaque.

National Cemetery Administration Monument/Memorial Maintenance Cleaning Instructions 3

Use blue painters tape to affix plastic sheeting to the monument to cover any stone or masonry areas that are in contact with the bronze.

Scrub the plaque or sculptural elements with water and a soft-bristled brushes working from the bottom up so that the dirt you are removing does not run down the plaque/sculpture.

Make sure to flush the surface frequently and to be careful of runoff onto other portions of the monument.

You may want to repeat the cleaning operation if the bronze or metal is especially soiled.

Use soft, lint-free cloth to dry the surface following cleaning.

Remove plastic sheeting from stone or masonry areas.

Monuments with Stone or Masonry

If the monument contains bronze or metals, follow the above instructions first.

Pre-wet stone or masonry materials thoroughly with clean water. Keep the stone or masonry wet during the entire washing process. This wetting process will loosen dirt deposits. When cleaning stone or masonry, work from the bottom up so that the dirt you are removing does not run down the monument.

Bird droppings, lichens, and algae can be removed by first soaking the surface and then using a wooden scraper to gently remove them. You may need to soak the surface several times during this process.

Documentation On the attached form, note the date and staff member(s) that conducted the cleaning, and any issues that arose.

National Cemetery Administration Monument/Memorial Maintenance Cleaning Instructions 4

Cleaning Log

File this log in the monument’s permanent file and send one copy with any photographs you have taken to History Program, National Cemetery Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, sara.leach@va.gov, or 202-632-5894, jennifer.perunko@va.gov or 202-632-5441.

Date of Cleaning

Name(s)/Title (s) of Persons Cleaning

Issues of Concern, describe:

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Cleaning Instructions for Historic Monuments.pdf

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