cleaning stones (completed with thanks)

[Canterburynorth]

Hello all,

Does anyone have a cleaning recipie for marble and granite headstones?
I have tried a good old scrub but some of the lichen seems to have penetrated the marble.
Perhaps I should leave well alone,I do not want to cause further damage.

All thoughts appreciated.

Leandra

[PrueM]

Hi Leandra 

A lot depends on the cemetery regulations and how old the stone is etc. but here's a page I found that's relevant to NZ:

http://www.dunedin-direct.co.nz/sites/cemeteries/cemeteries/cemeteries_bestpractice.htm

There is some very good advice there about all sorts of things 

Cheers
Prue

[Canterburynorth]

Hello Prue,

Thanks for providing me that link   It will be very useful,  I am glad I didn't rush down to the cemetery with my bleach bottle 

Cheers

Leandra

[nobeard]

I have recently had this problem with my Great Grandfathers headstone which was really sad and discoloured.. it has lead letters, some of which have fallen off so it was a tricky problem.
Eventually i thought i'd try using just water from a sprayer, the sprayer in question is a little more powerful than the ones you get mr muscle & such in, but it's a hand-operated one..
It worked brilliantly, and it didn't dislodge any of the lead lettering.
You need to use a spray gun with an adjustable nozzle though, set to disperse widely rather than a narrow jet, & take it easy, take a sponge too for obvious reasons.
I wouldn't use a chemical though, just water worked great.

[Canterburynorth]

Hi mfwuk,

Welcome to rootschat

Thanks so much for the tip,  I havn't done my cleaning yet but want to get it all nice before Christmas.  I appreciate you advice

Regards

Leandra

[nobeard]

No problem, but make sure that you use a wide spray setting to cover as much area as possible to get an even finish, you don't want it to remove too much dirt at once in one place..
 and don't forget a sponge because you'll create a small pool at the head of the grave without having one to soak it up every now & then. It's a sloppy job but well worth the trouble i think.
Best of luck with it

[Canterburynorth]

Thank you so very much I will be careful

Leandra