Cleaning A Marble Gravestone

Wetting the marble first will provide better cleaner spread on the surface and make rinsing easier.

Cleaning a marble gravestone.

How to clean marble granite and concrete gravestones with bio shield gravestones are frequently discoloured by algae and lichens and the often remote locations can make cleaning difficult. Mix 1 tablespoon of the non ionic soap with 1 gallon of water. 4 litres of water if the cemetery doesn t have water you can use. Gravestones can become covered in moss and lichen and the carved words can become obscured with dirt and grime.

Marble headstones should only be cleaned if they are in decent condition. Cleaning more frequently can weaken the marble. How to clean a cemetery gravestone marker or memorial first remove any loose dead leaves old flower memorials twigs branches etc from around your loved one s marker or monument. If too much cracking or damage decay is present attempting to clean it could cause further irreparable harm.

An undiluted cleaning agent may leave a residue in the marble s pores. 3 never use a wire or abrasive bristle brush. A single application of bio shield to the gravestone will kill and remove the algae and lichens no wash down or scrubbing is required. Dishwashing liquid do not use any ammonia vinegar or lemon cleaners.

Never attempt to clean a gravestone which is flaking chipped or has loose stone on it. Use a gentle cleaner like ivory. Q tips for cleaning any inlays and engravings. Use the wooden scraper to remove any algae or moss growth from the surface.

Sandstone slate and marble gravestones will gradually deteriorate after cleaning so they should be thoroughly cleaned every 7 10 years and no more. Cleaning weak marble can result in further irreparable damage. As with interior marble cleaning soak the cemetery headstone with water before adding a cleaner. Clean limestone using the same method as the one used to clean marble.

2 always use the gentlest method possible first this means good old fashioned water and a soft brush or even kitchen roll. Remove as much of the lichen and moss with your hands as possible. This simple act alone often significantly improves its appearance. Soak the stone with water to saturate any growth that may be present.

Professional restorationists agree that gravestones in general shouldn t be extensively cleaned more than one time per year.