Anyone know how to clean and old headstone?

Question

We have an old cemertary from the 1800's next door to us, we would like to clean the headstone. Does anyone know what to use? It has some moss and some discoloration from age but is still clear enough to read all words. Thank you!

Also, where would you buy these solutions such as mentioned below. Thank you again!!

To "D": Would you also be pissed that we cleared the lot that it was on that was covered with tons of trash, bruch, rocks, etc. so badly that no one even knew it was a cemetery? Perhpas you should not comment on that which you do not know.
Also you'd be pissed if it was "your family" then take care of it yourself and no one else will have to do it. Secondly, no one cared enough to clear the lot like we did with our own time and money. Man some people are twisted!

Answer 1

Old headstones can be easy to damage... do NOT use muriatic acid... instead depend on good old fashioned elbow grease.

There was a volunteer group that made it to our local news awhile back, and they were going around cleaning up cemeteries... they depended on dish soap, and stiff brushes... no solvents, no wire brushes... nothing that would damage the stone. They found out the hard way what using some of those solvents could do to old stone...muriatic acid, by the way, will eat at limestone, which is what a lot of headstones are carved out of.

And I say, good for you!

Have Fun!

Answer 2

You might try a product call JoMax (by a company named Zinnser sp?). It is mixed with common household bleach and does a wonderful job of removing mildew and moss. I have used it on trim and brick and stucco and had great results. I would test a small patch on the back of the stone to see if it will not damage the stone. I got mine at the local Ace Hardware.

And like a previous post I would be careful with a pressure washer...

Answer 3

DO NOT TOUCH IT...... First of all its a cemetery its personal... I would be very pissed if I found out you cleaned my families headstones with out permission... it's a cemetery honey it's suppose to look old and you do not have the right to clean the headstones.....

Answer 4

I think it's great that you want to care for those who went before us (they are too often forgotten.)
A pressure washer will do the job well. You should be careful not to get too close as the pressure can cut into the stone. I have cleaned a WW1 memorial that was placed before WW2 and got excellent results.

Answer 5

First clean it with soap and water, then use a mild solution of water and Muratic acid.

Answer 6

be careful about cleaning;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESP_sxu6jZc