How To Clean a Marble Headstone Without Damaging It

Prepare the right tools and materials: soft rag or sponge, neutral detergent or soapy water, warm water, soft brush (for cleaning gaps), professional marble cleaner (for stubborn stains), plastic film (for covering stubborn stains)

choose a suitable marble cleaner

There are many kinds of stains on tombstones, such as oil stains, rust, mildew spots, etc. For different stains, we should choose a suitable cleaner.
Alkaline foam cleaners, stone rust removers, stone cleaners, etc. are all good choices. These cleaners are safe and environmentally friendly, do not harm the stone, can effectively remove stains and restore the gloss of the tombstone.

Clean a mabrle headstone without damaging it

1. First, dip a soft rag or sponge in warm water and gently wipe the surface of the tombstone to remove dust and loose soil. For dust in the gaps, you can use a soft brush to gently sweep.
2. Dealing with general stains: If there are general stains, dilute neutral detergent or soapy water in warm water, dip a rag or sponge in the solution, and gently wipe the stain. Pay attention to the strength when wiping to avoid scratching the surface of the tombstone. After wiping, wipe off the remaining detergent solution with a clean wet rag, and then wipe it dry with a dry rag.
3. Remove stubborn stains: For stubborn stains, you can use a professional marble cleaner. First, test a small area in an inconspicuous place on the tombstone to ensure that the cleaner will not cause damage to the tombstone. Then apply the cleaner to the stain and follow the instructions for use of the cleaner. Generally, after leaving it for a while, wipe it with a rag or gently scrub it with a soft brush, then rinse it with clean water and wipe it dry. If the stain is still not removed, you can try to make a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, remove the plastic wrap after a few hours, and clean the residue.

Precautions for cleaning marble headstone

• Acidic/alkaline detergents are prohibited: such as vinegar, bleach, ammonia, etc., which will corrode the marble surface.
• Scratching with hard objects is prohibited: steel wool and hard brushes will leave permanent scratches.
• Avoid high-pressure water guns: high-pressure water flow may damage the stone structure.

How to maintain marble tombstones

Regular cleaning and protective treatment

Gently wipe the surface with clean water + neutral detergent every 3-6 months, and remove acidic stains such as bird droppings and fallen leaves in time. Avoid cleaning with hot water in winter, as excessive temperature differences may cause cracks.

Choose a penetrating sealant: Clean and completely dry the surface of the tombstone. Choose a fluorine or silicone sealant specifically for marble to penetrate the inside of the stone to form a waterproof and anti-fouling layer. Let it stand for 24 hours to cure. Reapply every 1-2 years.