Q tips for cleaning any inlays and engravings.
Cleaning old marble tombstones.
Sandstone slate and marble gravestones will gradually deteriorate after cleaning so they should be thoroughly cleaned every 7 10 years and no more.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the non ionic soap with 1 gallon of water.
217 people used more information video for how to clean old tombstones.
2 clean rags or cloths for washing the headstone.
My usual answer is don t do it unless absolutely necessary.
Once the headstone is clean buff the marble dry with a dry and clean cloth.
Use the wooden scraper to remove any algae or moss growth from the surface.
Cleaning gravestones posted 09 09 14 in the headstone guide people often ask me about cleaning gravestones.
Use a gentle cleaner like ivory.
Cleaning weak marble can result in further irreparable damage.
Soak the stone with water to saturate any growth that may be present.
Make and apply a poultice if steps 1 to 3 fail to remove the mold and mildew stains on the marble headstone make a poultice with cotton balls hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.
I love old weathered gravestones.
Repeat this process approximately every 18 months.
Leave no residue from the cleaning agent on the stone as it could cause permanent streaking.
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.
A newer product called wet and forget has not been thoroughly tested and this is not a product we can recommend.
Use the same method you would use for a granite stone.
For stubborn areas an equal mixture of water and white spirit with up to 2 non ionic detergent added may be useful.
Acid or acidic cleaning agents especially on marble or limestone should only be used by those properly trained working on non calcareous stone household cleaners including soap detergents borax tsp anything you d use to clean your home any type of sealant.
If too much cracking or damage decay is present attempting to clean it could cause further irreparable harm.
Never use household cleaners bleach metal tools scouring pads wire brushes power tools pressure washers or nyalox brushes.
Marble headstones should only be cleaned if they are in decent condition.
Cleaning more frequently can weaken the marble.
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.
