Polishing Stolpersteine
Stolpersteine discolor due to weather influences. Volunteers and neighborhood groups ensure the stones remain visible.
Cleaning Stolpersteine
The brass surface of Stolpersteine oxidizes and discolors over time. Eventually, they can almost turn black. Only through regular polishing do the stones remain beautiful and legible. Not every stone discolors in the same way because brass is an alloy – of copper and zinc – and the alloy is not always the same. The stones also respond differently to cleaning.
Cleaning Instructions
Supplies:
1. Brush or broom
2. Cleaner: recommended Flintoline or Sidol, especially no acidic or salty cleaners
3. Non-scratching sponge or fine steel wool
4. Water
5. Old cloths
6. Handy: knee pad
Method:
1. Sweep away coarse dirt
2. Apply cleaner and let it soak in briefly
3. Scrub thoroughly with a sponge or fine steel wool
4. Wipe off with a clean cloth
5. Repeat steps 2 through 4 if needed
There are various how-to videos online, for example this one.