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Cleaning a Gravestone the LAZY WAY

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Hey everyone, Cody from Southeast Softwash here! Today, I’ve got a story about restoring some seriously neglected tombstones. If you’re in the business of cleaning stone surfaces like monuments or government buildings, our new cleaner, Monumental, is exactly what you need. And, well—what better place to test it out than an old cemetery?

Why Monumental?

Monumental is our latest chemical, launched this summer, specially formulated to clean stone surfaces like granite and limestone. This product is perfect for headstones, tombstones, and other memorials that have weathered years of buildup. It’s quad-based, meaning it has four active agents that attack organic stains and discoloration. Think of it as a one-stop solution that cuts through dirt, mold, mildew, and organic growth in minutes.

The Test Run

We applied Monumental on a weathered tombstone that had been stained black over time. Here’s the process we followed:

  1. Initial Application: We first sprayed the upper section of the tombstone. Within minutes, Monumental’s formula went to work on the buildup, revealing the stone’s original color.

  2. Layered Cleaning: For vertical surfaces, we found that a second coat can sometimes be necessary. Gravity pulls the cleaner down, which can lessen the dwell time. So after the first application, we came back and gave it a quick second spray to achieve an even, consistent look.

  3. Rinse and Results: After letting it sit, we rinsed it down, and the stone was nearly unrecognizable. The difference was dramatic—Monumental had taken it from solid black to almost new-looking in no time.

Key Benefits of Monumental

  • Effective on Various Stone Types: This cleaner is safe and effective on granite, limestone, and other commonly used stone materials.

  • Spray-and-Walk-Away: For horizontal surfaces, this is truly a spray-and-walk-away solution. Monumental keeps working as long as it stays wet, so you can apply it and move on to the next job.

  • Minimal Maintenance: Unlike other methods that require scrubbing, Monumental saves time and energy. It’s designed for professionals who want fast, reliable results without having to go back over the work multiple times.

Ideal Use Cases

Monumental isn’t just for tombstones. It works equally well on government buildings, monuments, and any other stone surfaces that need a refresh. For gravestones and vertical monuments, two coats may be necessary, but the final result is well worth the extra application.

Final Thoughts

Monumental has quickly become one of our favorite products for stone restoration projects. Whether you're restoring family memorials, historical monuments, or government buildings, this cleaner will get the job done with ease and efficiency. Check out Monumental on our website and see the difference it can make on your next project.

For anyone interested in further soft washing techniques, be sure to check out our Softwash 101 Class to gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience.

Until next time, keep those stones sparkling!

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