Polishing the stones

Proper care is important

The stones are made of concrete and topped with engraved brass plates. These plates turn dull and darken due to environmental factors and the engravings gradually become illegible.

Therefore we greatly appreciate it when sponsors and supporters of the project volunteer to clean the stones in their area regularly - e.g. twice a year in spring and autumn. In order to ascertain reliability, we kindly ask volunteers to contact us and enter their name for the stone(s) they would like to take care of.

You can find out the locations of stones in your area by consulting the city map - click on ‘Stolpersteine in Kassel’ for the link.

Should you observe that a listed stone has been removed or damaged in any way, please contact us as soon as possible.

Schools may participate in cleaning the stones. A fair amount of stones is located in the proximity of a variety of local schools. Perhaps cleaning could then be combined with a small history lesson?

Memorial sheets providing information about the biographies of the respective persons are available on our website. Should you require any additional explanation or commentary regarding the material, please do not hesitate to contact us.

How to clean the stones properly

• All off-the-shelf cleaning agents for metals are suitable.

•  Please refrain from using appliances such as wire brushes, as they could damage the brass. Instead, apply the cleaning agent and allow it to work for a minute before wiping it off.

•  Afterwards, polish the stone with a dry towel.

•  Do not apply too much cleaning agent, as this could leave stains on the surrounding  pavement.

•  Heavily soiled stones should be cleaned with water before application of the cleaning agent.

•  Repeat if necessary.