does any one know what to use on head stones to clean them?

Question

the head stones are cover in mold for being there so long.

there no water in this part were the head stones is.

Answer 1

On my mom's which is high gloss finish...Windex
On the cement statues we have around our home..Clorox Clean up Spray and a nylon scrub brush. Then rinse thoroughly.

Answer 2

Here are some cleaning guidelines depending on what type headstone it is.

Limestone, Sandstone & Marble Tombstones

For cleaning the tombstones made of soft natural stone in this group, here is a list of generally accepted items to use:
Plenty of water
Buckets
Natural bristle brushes/tooth brushes
Non-ionic soaps/detergents
TLC (tender loving care)

Here are some items you DO NOT want to use when cleaning tombstones as they may cause irreparable damage to the tombstone you are trying to preserve:
Wire bristled brushes or metal instruments
Acid or acidic cleaners
Household cleaners - soap (Ivory), detergents (liquid or powder), Borax, Clorox, TSP, Calgon, Fantastik, Formula 409, **** and Span (or any other abrasive cleaner)
Pressure washers
Sealants of any kind

Granite Tombstones
When cleaning granite tombstones it is best to follow the same prescription for cleaning limestone, sandstone or marble tombstones. Additionally, due to granite's durability, it is all right to use a more aggressive scrubbing technique. You can also use a pressure washer on granite tombstones as long as it is in stable condition and reveals no fracturing or cracks.

A word of caution, when using a pressure washer be careful if the tombstone's carving or engraved areas have any kind of coloring in it such as black. The pressure washer can and will strip it out leaving little or no contrast for the viewer to read the lettering on the tombstone. Taking this into consideration it is best to use a pressure washer only on granite tombstones that have no contrasting paint in the engraved areas.

On polished granite tombstones, calcium deposits from hardened water often leave a hazed coating on the surface. It is recommended to use a heavy duty non-metallic scouring pad to remove these calcium deposits. You can also purchase one from a grocery store. Just make certain it is safe to use on granite. Using a non-ionic soap or detergent and water you can scrub the polished surface thoroughly with the scouring pad to remove the deposits.

Bronze Tombstones
Bronze Tombstones consist of a bronze plaque mounted to a base usually of granite or concrete and lay flat at lawn level. As a result of being mounted flat, bronze tombstones are more susceptible to standing water and landing debris.

Since bronze tombstones consist of two components you can utilize the cleaning method for cleaning soft stone for a concrete base, and the polished granite method for cleaning the granite base.

The bronze plaque is furnished with a factory applied lacquer coating to seal and preserve the original appearance. Over a period of time this finish will eventually deteriorate and is accelerated through neglect. Proper care will preserve the finish and prevent the need for restoration.

Environmentally Friendly Tombstone Cleaning
For those of you who are interested in a more environmentally friendly approach to cleaning tombstones, there is a rather unusual method of using snails. That's right... snails. Snails are known to consume lichens, mold, fungus and algae. Many of these growths are what causes tombstones to become 'dirty' and in need of a cleaning.

Here is a link to another article to read:
http://www.gravestonepreservation.info/cleaning-gravestones.asp

I hope this info helps you. We try to clean our daughters each time we take flowers with us to the cemetery to keep up with it. Take care.

P.S. Be careful with pressure washers. They are not good for all types of stone.

Answer 3

I don't know, but rubbing chalk across the stone makes it more readable for transcription purposes. Some cleaning agents ruin some kinds of grave markers. Ask someone at ancestry.com or ask someone on the genealogy forum.

Answer 4

I would guess anything that's safe to use on your marble kitchen cabinets. I don't have marble or granite myself, so I'm not sure. Try asking the sexton of the cemetary, he should know. If not, go to Lowe's or Home Depot and ask them what you could use. I'm guessing something applied with a sponge or soft toothbrush.

Answer 5

Green clean. It is a cleaner that you can use on the outdoor surfaces of your home to clean mold and stains and things of that nature. It is inexpensive, natural and I believe bleach free. WORKS great on moss and mold!

Answer 6

Use about a 50 /50 mix of water and bleach.

Answer 7

Detailed instructions are available at the link below.

Answer 8

Prayer.

Answer 9

some of the care takers in out towne use pressure washers with water to clean them.

Answer 10

Ammonia, and vinegar.Then lemon pledge it for the shine.