War Memorial Cleaning & Restoration

The UK’s Leading Specialists in Respectful, Heritage-Safe Memorial Care

Across the UK, war memorials are more than just historic stonework, they are symbols of sacrifice, community identity, and national memory. These important structures deserve care, but that care must be delivered with caution, respect, and expert knowledge.

At GraveClean™, we specialise in the sympathetic cleaning and preservation of war memorials of all sizes and materials. From village tributes to major city-centre monuments, we use conservation-grade methods approved by Historic England and the War Memorials Trust. Our role is to ensure these tributes remain legible, preserved, and dignified, never over-cleaned or altered inappropriately.

Why Cleaning Must Be Carefully Managed

It’s a common misconception that war memorials should be scrubbed until they look “like new.” Most are made from porous natural materials like Portland stone, sandstone, granite, or limestone all of which are vulnerable to damage if cleaned too aggressively or too frequently.

Poor cleaning methods (such as high-pressure washing, acidic chemicals, or abrasive scrubbing) can cause irreversible erosion, accelerate biological growth, or destabilise delicate inscriptions. Our work follows guidance set out in Historic England’s “Conserving War Memorials” technical advice and War Memorials Trust standards which emphasise minimal intervention, maximum respect.

Our Approach: Conservation-Grade, Council-Approved

All of our war memorial cleaning projects begin with a full site assessment. This includes:

• Visual condition reports and high-resolution photography
• Identification of materials and potential biological growth
• Structural checks, including a 25kg safety push test where applicable
• Liaison with local authorities or custodians where required

We then develop a cleaning plan appropriate to the memorial’s condition and material. This usually includes:

• Dry brushing with soft, non-metallic bristles
• Application of a biocidal cleaning agent (DDAC-based, heritage-safe)
• Gentle rinsing with low-pressure water only no jet washing
• Optional re-inspection visit for further cleaning or protection

We never use bleach, acids, or high-pressure systems, and we avoid deep cleaning unless absolutely necessary. Our products are biodegradable, pH-neutral, and approved for use in cemetery and heritage environments.

Three-Phase Care Over Time

For larger or more fragile memorials, we often deliver cleaning in multiple phases over several weeks. This staged approach allows us to monitor how the material responds, particularly where inscriptions or embedded plaques may be affected by retained moisture or hidden corrosion.

This method also aligns with best practice from Historic England, who recommend minimal intervention wherever possible. In fact, cleaning may only be required every 5–10 years depending on the location, exposure, and surface condition of the memorial.

Lettering & Inscriptions 

We do not repaint or re-letter war memorial inscriptions without permission from the relevant authority. In cases where inscriptions are faded or illegible, we can assess whether gentle re-lettering using heritage-grade paints or gilding is appropriate, and always with a conservative approach.

Any such work is only carried out in full alignment with War Memorials Trust advice, and with prior written consent where listed status may apply.

Public Safety & Insurance

Every GraveClean™ war memorial project is backed by full:

• £5M public liability and employer’s insurance
• Site-specific risk assessments and method statements
• COSHH-compliant documentation for all products used
• Optional reporting for council or heritage archives

Where work is carried out in public spaces, we install appropriate signage and barriers to ensure the safety of visitors, residents, and our technicians.

Trusted by Local Councils, Veterans Groups & Communities Nationwide

We are proud to support local councils, parish clerks, civic trusts, and remembrance charities across the UK. Many of our projects are carried out ahead of key public commemorations such as Remembrance Day, VE Day, and Armed Forces Day.

We understand the sensitivity and importance of these spaces, and we always work discreetly and respectfully. If your local war memorial is showing signs of biological growth, discolouration, or erosion, don’t rush to clean it. Let us assess the site and provide a no-obligation report with appropriate next steps.

• Free advice for custodians and parish councils
• Formal quotations for conservation works
• Before-and-after photographic documentation
• Long-term maintenance guidance
• Discounts for veterans groups and registered charities

Preserving Memory with Care

Memorials aren’t just historical features, they are stories etched in stone. Our duty is to preserve those stories, not erase them. With GraveClean™, you can be confident that any work carried out is done with deep respect, minimal risk, and full heritage compliance.