Cleaning Old Granite Headstones

Clean a granite headstone.

Cleaning old granite headstones. Once you have checked out the stone you are ready to start actually cleaning. How often it needs to be cleaned will depend on weather conditions and whether there are trees overhead. Before you begin to actually clean the granite headstone remove excess. For more information see the article a unique method for cleaning headstones if you have concerns about the headstone or are cleaning a very old headstone consult a conservation specialist for the best cleaning methods.

It works best at 45 degrees and above. There are many different types of headstones but if you know that the marker you want to clean is granite and that it s soiled with just dirt and mildew here s a suggestion. Mix it with the proper ratio of water. It s always a good idea to check with the cemetery s staff to make sure you re allowed to clean the headstone s.

You should clean a granite headstone as needed. However it still must be a very gentle cleaning. Follow the directions on your cleanser. Check if you can clean the stone.

Headstones can be very porous and can soak up the cleaning solution before it has a chance to work. Our group recommends d 2 as the first choice in cleaning headstones and markers. Once they are wet gently begin wiping down the surface of the stone. Soak the stone with a hose or by dumping a bucket of clean water over the entire surface.

Old clean plastic milk bottles work great for transporting water to the markers. Gallons and gallons of water. Spraying down the headstone first will help maximize the effectiveness of the cleaning solution. Hard dark stone such as granite and cast metal markers grow surprisingly hot due to direct sunlight and or higher temperatures which can result in the rapid evaporation of the water you ll need for basic cleaning.

The steps for general cleaning are as follows. Steps for cleaning granite headstones. Use undiluted for best results. They feast on mold mildew and other growth that causes tombstones to look discolored and damaged.

Also if you re thinking of cleaning a stone in a very old cemetery will it stand out awkwardly among the other 200 year old gravestones. How to clean granite headstones. Therefore you should not try to clean a headstone marker or memorial on a very hot or very cold day. Perhaps a lighter cleaning would be best in this case.