Use a gentle cleaner like ivory.
Cleaning old marble tombstones.
Use the wooden scraper to remove any algae or moss growth from the surface.
Leave no residue from the cleaning agent on the stone as it could cause permanent streaking.
I love old weathered gravestones.
Q tips for cleaning any inlays and engravings.
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.
Repeat this process approximately every 18 months.
If too much cracking or damage decay is present attempting to clean it could cause further irreparable harm.
Use the same method you would use for a granite stone.
Mix 1 tablespoon of the non ionic soap with 1 gallon of water.
Marble headstones should only be cleaned if they are in decent condition.
For stubborn areas an equal mixture of water and white spirit with up to 2 non ionic detergent added may be useful.
Cleaning more frequently can weaken the marble.
Never use household cleaners bleach metal tools scouring pads wire brushes power tools pressure washers or nyalox brushes.
Once the headstone is clean buff the marble dry with a dry and clean cloth.
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.
Cleaning weak marble can result in further irreparable damage.
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.
4 litres of water if the cemetery doesn t have water you can use.
An undiluted cleaning agent may leave a residue in the marble s pores.
Sandstone slate and marble gravestones will gradually deteriorate after cleaning so they should be thoroughly cleaned every 7 10 years and no more.
My usual answer is don t do it unless absolutely necessary.
As with interior marble cleaning soak the cemetery headstone with water before adding a cleaner.
2 clean rags or cloths for washing the headstone.
Cleaning gravestones posted 09 09 14 in the headstone guide people often ask me about cleaning gravestones.
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.
