Cleaning Black Granite Headstones

It s a beautiful stone is harder than marble and makes for long lasting memorials.

Cleaning black granite headstones.

For more information on cleaning your granite marker or headstone contact american headstones company at 949 228 7055. Over time headstones accumulate lichens moss bird droppings or calcium deposits from hard water usually from the cemetery s lawn watering system. Repeat this process approximately every 18 months. Clean limestone using the same method as the one used to clean marble.

Headstones can be very porous and can soak up the cleaning solution before it has a chance to work. Mix just one ounce of non ionic detergent to 5 gallons of water. For bronze markers there are special cleaning kits available from monument supply companies. Pressure washers can be used to clean granite headstones but use caution around the carved areas.

Limestone is another popular choice for headstones. A more widely available product wet forget moss mold mildew and algae stain remover 29 98 a gallon at home depot is advertised as being suitable for cleaning headstones. Cleaning granite headstones jennifer pitman. But it hasn t.

Hard water areas are the worst and will require more frequent bricking. Granite headstones can last looking good for many years depending on the water used at your cemetery. Non ionic detergents are generally recommended for cleaning granite headstones. What not to do.

Fortunately a few basic cleaning supplies and some elbow grease can dramatically improve the appearance of a cemetery tombstone headstone gravemarker or memorial. Supplies needed for cleaning granite headstones. Use the same method you would use for a granite stone. Spraying down the headstone first will help maximize the effectiveness of the cleaning solution.

Often these are coated with a black paint to make them easier to read. Cleaning more frequently can weaken the marble. The pressure from the washer will remove the paint and leave no difference in the coloring. Any discussion about cleaning a headstone marker or memorial must begin with a few cautions about the various things you should not do.

Any abrasive or acidic cleaning agents can easily damage headstones with a glazed finish. If a loved one has a granite headstone this is your complete step by step guide on how to clean granite headstones. You should take the following supplies with you to the cemetery when you intend to clean the granite headstone of your loved one.