Cleaning Old Marble Tombstones

A newer product called wet and forget has not been thoroughly tested and this is not a product we can recommend.

Cleaning old marble tombstones.

My usual answer is don t do it unless absolutely necessary. Be sure to locate the cemetery s water source or bring sufficient water at least a bucket since it takes a lot of water to properly clean a marble headstone. An undiluted cleaning agent may leave a residue in the marble s pores. As with interior marble cleaning soak the cemetery headstone with water before adding a cleaner.

Leave no residue from the cleaning agent on the stone as it could cause permanent streaking. Marble headstones should only be cleaned if they are in decent condition. For stubborn areas an equal mixture of water and white spirit with up to 2 non ionic detergent added may be useful. Use the wooden scraper to remove any algae or moss growth from the surface.

Cleaning more frequently can weaken the marble. Once the headstone is clean buff the marble dry with a dry and clean cloth. Repeat this process approximately every 18 months. 217 people used more information video for how to clean old tombstones.

Use a gentle cleaner like ivory. I love old weathered gravestones. Use the same method you would use for a granite stone. If too much cracking or damage decay is present attempting to clean it could cause further irreparable harm.

Cleaning weak marble can result in further irreparable damage. Soak the stone with water to saturate any growth that may be present. Never use household cleaners bleach metal tools scouring pads wire brushes power tools pressure washers or nyalox brushes. Cleaning gravestones posted 09 09 14 in the headstone guide people often ask me about cleaning gravestones.

General grime nicotine build up and fingerprints can usually be cleaned from unpainted marble using white spirit or a mixture of deionised purified water with up to 2 non ionic detergent added. Sandstone slate and marble gravestones will gradually deteriorate after cleaning so they should be thoroughly cleaned every 7 10 years and no more. 2 clean rags or cloths for washing the headstone. 4 litres of water if the cemetery doesn t have water you can use.

Mix 1 tablespoon of the non ionic soap with 1 gallon of water.