Cleaning cemeterySFlb monument requires care

Dear Heloise: Several years ago, I saw an article in the newspaper where you told us how to clean a monument in the cemetery. I didn’t cut it out and don’t remember what it was. Virginia Fulks, Snyder, Texas

First, do no harm! In this case, “less is more,” and while it might not sound like much of a “hint,” first try only plain water and a microfiber cloth, terry towel or soft sponge.

You don’t want to damage a stone that’s been there for a long time, and keep in mind that gravestones are made of very different substances. Bronze, marble and limestone all require different cleaning methods.

Three steps to remember when you’re cleaning a gravestone:

•Pre-wet the surface before you begin.

•Start from the bottom and work up to prevent the dirty water from further staining the marker.

•Keep the stone very wet as you work and rinse extremely well.

Cleaning tombstones can be very tricky, so you should always call a professional monument-cleaning company if the task looks too hard, or the stones are very old or crumbly.

Dear Heloise: I remember to repack the night light I use in motel rooms by carrying it in a small box, which I leave on the table with my wallet, etc. When I am ready to leave the room, I see the box and retrieve the night light from the vanity. Ray D. Quisenberry, Franklin, Tenn.

Dear Heloise: When I give a gift to someone in my immediate family and think it might need to be returned (especially with clothes), I cover up the price with narrow sticky notes that come in a dispenser, sort of like tape. I don’t have to cut the price tag off and try to rematch it to the proper garment. I just peel off the note and make my return. It makes it easier on the store, too, because it doesn’t have to create a new tag if the price has been cut off. Judy Martin, San Antonio

Dear Heloise: No matter how carefully I place my clean knives in the drawer, some always turn blade up the next time I open the drawer, which could lead to a bad cut. I put a hunk of plastic foam cut to size in the back of the drawer and stick the points into that before closing the drawer. M. Curtis, Lakeland, Fla.

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