How can I safely clean a granite gravestone?
by
Patty
+5
This may be a silly question. My parents gravestone is a light grey granite. It has some mold-like discoloration in the lettering and some light grey/green flat growths on the surface. Is there a way to take care of both problems without discoloring or damaging the stone. How can I prevent it from coming back? Thanks Patty Carr
Related Discussions
Suggested Project Book
Use vinegar mixed with Dawn dish soap and scrub. Rinse with water and wipe dry
Patty, have you tried The baking soda/vinegar scrub, toothpaste works well Also. Then give it a light spray of Pledge. Worth A Try.
It's a mold for sure. Bleach will not harm granite. Scrub it thoroughly and rinse. The mold will come back. Apparently the stone is in a darker area? Either way bleach kills mold.
Hi Patty, First, let me offer my condolences on the loss of your parents. It sounds like it needs to be sealed. I would contact the place of purchase and explain this to them. They may know a remedy or they might offer to seal it. Either way, I would start there before applying anything else on it. I did a bit of research on this and found a couple sources that said to clean with equal parts water and household bleach. They also say not to use a wire brush. It could leave scratches. After washing, be sure to rinse with clean water. I hope this helps you. Again, my condolences.
Baking soda,vinegar and bleach .... scrub with a firm brush
To be honest I would speak to the cemetery before touching something so precious
Nice soapy water and a not-too-bristly/coarse brush. Nice of you to take care of their resting place!
Here are the steps:
https://www.loveliveson.com/how-to-clean-granite-headstones/