What Can I Use To Clean A Granite Headstone

Pressure washers can be used to clean granite headstones but use caution around the carved areas.

What can i use to clean a granite headstone.

Granite headstones can last looking good for many years depending on the water used at your cemetery. How can i prevent it from coming back. 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. Non ionic detergents are generally recommended for cleaning granite headstones.

How to clean a granite monument. Is there a way to take care of both problems without discoloring or damaging the stone. It has some mold like discoloration in the lettering and some light grey green flat growths on the surface. A clean cloth diaper or a clean.

Granite is one of the hardest materials and will last indefinitely however the surface is somewhat porous and can hold dirt stains and mineral deposits over a period of time. Make sure to use a cloth that has no excess fibres that could become loose and be left behind on the granite headstone e g. Hard water areas are the worst and will require more frequent bricking. Also avoid acids such as muriatic acid or phosphoric acid as they can damage the surface.

My parents gravestone is a light grey granite. Cleaning more frequently can weaken the marble. With periodic proper care the monument for your loved one will look new and stay clean for years. Do not use normal household cleaners soaps and detergents ivory formula 409 bleach tsp laundry detergents dish detergents etc to clean headstones.

Mix just one ounce of non ionic detergent to 5 gallons of water. Headstones can be very porous and can soak up the cleaning solution before it has a chance to work. Over time headstones accumulate lichens moss bird droppings or calcium deposits from hard water usually from the cemetery s lawn watering system. For bronze markers there are special cleaning kits available from monument supply companies.

Any abrasive or acidic cleaning agents can easily damage headstones with a glazed finish. Limestone is another popular choice for headstones. Spraying down the headstone first will help maximize the effectiveness of the cleaning solution. Therefore you should not try to clean a headstone marker or memorial on a very hot or very cold day.

Use the same method you would use for a granite stone. Repeat this process approximately every 18 months. Granite is a frequent choice for headstones. When you finish washing the granite headstone use a clean white cloth to dry the headstone immediately.

It s a beautiful stone is harder than marble and makes for long lasting memorials. This may be a silly question.