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How to Clean Old Cemetery Stones

by Kimberly Ripley

  • Overview

    Whether visiting gravestones is a hobby or caring for those of loved ones is a responsibility, there are a few simple steps that should be taken to ensure that cemetery stones are cleaned and maintained properly. The older the stones are, the more care they require, since time and weather have likely taken a toll. A few tried and true products will simplify the chore and restore the stones to the best state possible, helping them to withstand even more years of exposure to the elements.
 

  • Step 1

    Soak the cemetery stone you'll be cleaning thoroughly with clean water. Start by scrubbing the stone gently in a circular motion using a soft-bristled scrub brush and clean water.

  • Step 2

    Scrape lichen-type or other kinds of biological formations from the cemetery stone using a plastic scraper. Scrape gently and continue to use plenty of water while doing so. If the stone takes well to being scrubbed with the soft brush; and doesn't crumble or chip under the pressure, repeat the scrubbing in a circular motion process, except use the harder bristled scrub brush this time. This should help to remove dirt and debris that may have become lodged inside any etchings on the stone.

  • Step 3

    Wash the stone yet again with a non-ionic detergent. This usually comes in a small plastic bottle and only a little bit is necessary to use. Mix just a few drops of the detergent into a gallon of water and clean with a soft cloth or the soft-bristled scrub brush. The neutral PH of this product won't cause any harm to cemetery stones; especially aging ones. The product is often slow to work, however, and may require repeated applications in order to see a noticeable difference.

  • Step 4

    Apply a biocide using another of the soft, clean cloths. Work the biocide as best you can into the grooves on the stone from etching. A biocide kills any biological growth, but can only kill what is on the surface of the cemetery stone, so will need to be applied each time the stone is cleaned. If the biological growth is coming from inside the stone--as often happens with very old stones, it will continue to grow. Newer stones are less apt to have biological growth on the inside and in these cases the biocide will help prevent later growth.
  • 3
  • Access to clean water Plastic scrapers Soft- and hard-bristled scrub brushes Clean cotton cloths Non-ionic detergent (available at photo-supply stores) Biocide solution (available at hardware or home and garden-supply stores)
  • Access to clean water
  • Plastic scrapers
  • Soft- and hard-bristled scrub brushes
  • Clean cotton cloths
  • Non-ionic detergent (available at photo-supply stores)
  • Biocide solution (available at hardware or home and garden-supply stores)

References & Resources

     
     
 
 

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