Why We’re the UK's Best: Inside GraveClean’s Professional Operations

At GraveClean, we believe that caring for memorials is more than just cleaning stone — it’s about preserving memories, heritage, and respect.

Our reputation as the UK’s leading headstone cleaning and restoration company comes from years of consistent quality, professional training, and a genuine commitment to doing things properly.

Here’s a look behind the scenes at what makes us different — and why so many families, councils, and organisations trust GraveClean to care for their memorials.

1. A Day in the Life of a GraveClean Technician

Every morning, our technicians set out across the UK — from Cornwall to Yorkshire — visiting churchyards, cemeteries, and memorial gardens.

Each job starts with a detailed risk assessment and site inspection to identify stone type, condition, and any signs of instability.

Our technicians don’t rush. They take the time to protect the area, photograph the memorial, and plan the clean using the correct brushes, dilution ratios, and tools.

By the end of the day, the transformation is striking — not only in appearance but in the sense of care shown to every site we visit.

2. How We Train Our Staff to Clean Memorials Safely and Respectfully

All GraveClean technicians are fully employed, trained, and insured — never subcontracted.

Each member completes our in-house Memorial Cleaning and Conservation training, covering:

• Correct identification of stone types (marble, granite, limestone, slate)

• Safe chemical handling and pH-neutral product use

• Manual and powered low-pressure cleaning techniques

• Respectful on-site conduct, including interaction with families and clergy

Beyond technique, we train for empathy. Cleaning a loved one’s memorial is emotional for many families — our team always approaches each site with sensitivity and care.

We also offer advanced Safety Inspection and Assessment of Memorials (SIAM) training, ensuring technicians can identify unstable or dangerous stones and report them responsibly to local authorities.

3. From Field to Formula: How We Developed the GraveClean Cleaner

After cleaning thousands of memorials across Britain, we learned one simple truth: no off-the-shelf cleaner was good enough.

Most consumer products were either too weak or too harsh — risking permanent damage to delicate stonework.

The GraveClean Headstone Cleaner was developed and tested by our technicians in real conditions.

It’s pH-neutral, biodegradable, and safe for all natural stones, yet powerful enough to remove algae, lichen, and organic buildup.

This formula is now used by every GraveClean technician nationwide — and, since August 2025, it’s also available for families through our DIY product range.

It’s the same professional-grade cleaner, simply packaged for home use, helping families care for their loved ones safely between professional visits.

4. Our Safety Standards Explained: SIAM, NAMM, and Risk Assessments

Safety is at the heart of everything we do.

Each project is completed in compliance with NAMM (National Association of Memorial Masons) guidelines, which regulate how memorials should be handled, tested, and maintained.

Our SIAM-trained staff are qualified to assess memorial safety and perform push-tests to identify unstable stones — something most cleaners are neither trained nor insured to do.

Before any work begins, our team conducts full on-site risk assessments, uses COSHH-approved materials, and documents every process with before-and-after photos for complete transparency.

We’re also proud to hold public and employer liability insurance, giving councils, churches, and families peace of mind that their memorials are cared for by professionals.

Why Families and Councils Choose GraveClean

• ✅ Nationwide coverage — we serve every region of England and Wales

• ✅ Fully employed, trained staff — no unverified contractors

• ✅ Conservation-approved cleaning methods — no acid, bleach, or jet washing

• ✅ Certified safety standards — SIAM and NAMM-aligned

• ✅ Public liability insurance — professional protection for every job

• ✅ Transparent results — before-and-after photography included

When you choose GraveClean, you’re choosing more than a service — you’re choosing the UK’s trusted authority in memorial care.