4 May is Remembrance of the Dead in the Netherlands. It is a common day to clean Stolpersteine. Anyone may clean a stone, and no permission is needed.
Why the stones turn dark
Brass tarnishes outdoors. First it turns brown, and then dark. In busy streets, shoes polish the stones, but elsewhere they need cleaning. On a dark stone the letters are harder to read. A stone lies in front of the last home the person chose freely, so it is often right at the front door. Care for the stone is visible there.
How to clean a stone
- Use a brass or copper polish, such as Brasso, on a soft cloth. Do not put the polish directly on the stone.
- Rub the stone, let the polish dry for about a minute, then polish with a clean cloth.
- An old toothbrush helps with the letters.
- Rinse or wipe away any residue with water.
- For heavy dirt, use an all-purpose cleaner and a scouring sponge first. Vinegar helps against limescale.
- Do not use steel wool, wire brushes or harsh acids. They scratch the brass.
Because the stones lie flush with the pavement, you will usually kneel or bend to clean them. A kneeling pad makes the work easier.
How often to clean
Stones should be cleaned at least once a year, and more often if possible. Besides 4 May, other common days are 27 January, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and 9 November. 9 November, the anniversary of the November pogroms of 1938, is also widely used in Germany as a day for cleaning.
When a stone is damaged
If a stone is damaged, stolen or removed during roadworks, tell the local Stolpersteine group or the municipality. They can then put the stone back or replace it.
Cleaning does not need an application. The equipment is simple: a soft cloth, polish and an old toothbrush. Cleaning keeps the letters readable for those who walk past and bow to read. More about cleaning is on the cleaning page.
To find the stone at your own address, search the map.
Read on
Stolpersteine on 27 January: cleaning stones and reading names
27 January is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. It is a common day to clean Stolpersteine and read the names on them. Here is how to clean a stone.
How do you request or sponsor a Stolperstein for someone?
Stolpersteine are requested and paid for by private people and local groups. Municipal permission is needed. Costs vary by organisation.
Who decides whether a Stolperstein is laid?
Private people and local groups take the initiative. Volunteers look for relatives, and the municipality gives permission because the pavement is public ground.
