How To Clean Monuments

Here is my answer to How To clean headstones. I have many requests, it is easy.



Gravestone Cleaning Made EASY!

by Ralph McCormick

Many requests from our readers have come to me asking to explain how to clean marble grave markers.  Lichen,moss, algae, and fungi are the culprits and may damage the stone in time.  The solution is very simple, one needs:

* A pressurized two or three-gallon sprayer with water, a handheld sprayer for the cleaning agent.  I use an old “Spray and Wash” hand sprayer when using the concentrate.  

* Start the cleaning process by spraying on plain water, let soak then spray the cleaning chemical on and let set for 10 minutes.

* One needs a special cleaning product.  There are many online, D-2 seems to be the favorite, however, I will tell you that I have used other products with success.  ReVive is one.  I buy it in gallon size concentrate for lower pricing. 

* A plastic brush, large and small.   Example would be one used for cleaning tires and one around three by two inch and maybe a toothbrush.

* Two plastic putty scrapers large and small.  Metal may be used, but don’t damage or scratch the face you are working on.  First use plastic scraper to protect the stone.  Some monuments have never been cleaned, and the metal could be all that will take it off. 

* Several wooden skewers that hold the shish Kebab together.  This is used to force out the crud from the indented lettering.

* Once all the gentle scraping is completed, use the pressure sprayer containing water to clean the stone.

* Rubber gloves for your hands.  Old rags to clean and dry your hands

* Get some dirty clothes and head to the cemetery.

Remember, use the metal scraper with caution, it can damage the stone and not be repaired.  Use only on difficult stones and be easy with it.

Pictured are the items needed for cleaning.

How To

Before and After!