How to clean a granite headstone without damaging it

What should you check before cleaning a headstone?

• Get permission from the cemetery or landowner. Some cemeteries restrict who may clean markers.
• Inspect the stone. Deep cracks, flaking, a sandy surface or loose pieces mean it should be left to a qualified conservator.
• Check the weather. The VA protocol calls for cleaning only when temperatures are above 40°F.
• Read the cleaner’s label and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.

What supplies do you need?

• Plenty of clean water (buckets or a garden sprayer, never a power washer).
• Soft natural-bristle or nylon brushes in a few sizes.
• Plastic or wooden scrapers for lichen, used only on wet stone.
• A stone-safe biological cleaner. The VA National Cemetery Administration names D/2 Biological Solution, among others, as examples of products that can be used.
• Gloves and eye protection.

How do you clean a granite headstone step by step?

1. Test the cleaner on a small, hidden area and let it dry to check for discoloration.
2. Soak the whole stone liberally with clean water. Pre-wetting keeps the cleaner on the surface instead of deep in the pores.
3. Apply the cleaner and keep the surface wet the entire time.
4. Scrub gently in small circles with a soft brush, working from the bottom up to avoid streaks.
5. Rinse thoroughly with clean water so no residue remains.
6. Let the stone dry. Biological cleaners often keep working over the following days and weeks, so avoid repeating the process too soon.

What should you never use on a headstone?

How often should a granite headstone be cleaned?

Only when it needs it. The goal of cleaning is to keep the inscription readable and the stone stable, not to make it look brand new. Granite is hard and dense, so for most polished granite memorials a gentle rinse and occasional biological cleaning is enough. Learn more in our granite vs. marble guide.