Cleaning Memorial Headstones. (Topically, today)

[888]

Is there a safe, effective way of cleaning white (marble?) cemetery headstones?. The weather-beaten, grass and bird stains etc, look grubby and have tried washing up liquid with a soft scourer but don't want to damage it.Thanks in advance.

[shaneystar2]

Marble is not easy to clean .... porous ..and most people opt for granite these days ..but this may be the solution..
http://www.diytools.co.uk/diy/Main/Product.asp ?iProductID=3187
Failing that it may be worth having a word with a local stonemason ..who may offer a suggestion and perhaps have a cleaning service.

[keryy]

1. Saturate the marble tombstone with water at least 30 minutes before cleaning it. This will help prevent any cleaning solution from leaching into the marble and will also loosen up any grit or grime.
2. Scrub the marble tombstone with a soft-bristled brush dipped in clean water. Brush in a circular motion to remove more dirt. Clean the headstone from the ground up and rinse often so the dirty water doesn't leach into the marble and cause staining or streaking.
3. Gently scrub off any algae, moss or lichen with a brush or a soft piece of wood. Keep wetting down the marble so this process is easier. Rinse the tombstone thoroughly with the hand-pump sprayer or a new sponge dipped in clean water.
4. Spot treat any remaining stains with a non-ionic detergent. These detergents have a neutral pH that shouldn't harm marble. Follow the manufacturer's directions to prepare the cleaning solution. Scrub the stains gently with a soft-bristled brush or a new toothbrush.
5. Clean the etched features of the marble tombstone with a toothbrush dipped in clean water. Scrub gently so you don't damage the marble. Rinse the gravestone thoroughly.
http://www.cemetery-headstones.net/ Media URL: http://www.cemetery-headstones.net/
Description: cleanin cemetery headstones.