This technical advice note describes good practice for cleaning war memorials, outlining a step-by-step approach to aid decisions on whether cleaning is necessary and the range of techniques available. It includes where to get further help and advice.

This note is intended for those designing, specifying and undertaking conservation and repair work to war memorials, such as architects, building surveyors, structural engineers, project managers, contractors, craftspeople and conservators. It will also be of interest to those responsible for making decisions on works such as local authority staff including conservation officers and custodians, parish, or volunteer groups.

This technical advice note forms part of a series of resources produced by Historic England, to coincide with the centenary of the First World War, that cover the overall approach to caring for war memorials as well as some of the more poorly understood technical aspects. They include:

• guidance on how to record, repair, conserve, maintain and protect these unique monuments for future generations: The Conservation, Repair and Management of War Memorials and Conservation and Management of War Memorial Landscapes
• short technical advice notes covering inscriptions, structural problems and repairs and maintenance
• case studies on conservation options for specific war memorial issues
• films on technical aspects of war memorial conservation