How do I clean a marble headstone?

Question

Apart from cleaning it with soapy liquid and water there are still some weathered stains remaining - would appreciate some advice on this.

Answer 1

Here in the U.S., where my parents are buried, the cemetery will professionally clean the marble markers and headstones--for a fee, of course. You might want to consider this option before attempting to clean one yourself. However, just remember that marble is porous and stains easily. ACIDS WILL DISSOLVE IT. For rust stains, you can remove superficial stains with vigorous scrubbing using a soft cloth and a non-abrasive mild detergent. If this does not remove the stain, try an application of naval jelly or other rust remover following the manufacturer's directions for use. But thoroughly rinse off the product after using so it doesn't continue to eat away at the stone.
P.S. -- There are lots of marble cleaners available on-line and at the big hardware stores. Here in the U.S., we have such stores as Lowe's and Home Depot. Note: The above advice is for the newer, polished marble. If you want to clean an old marble that is already weather-beaten, then you can use a non-brass wire brush and Clorox bleach (the thick kind) to do the job. The bleach will get rid of any algae growth. I use this on my birdbaths, periodically. But be sure to thoroughly rinse off with lots of water.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How do I clean a marble headstone?
Apart from cleaning it with soapy liquid and water there are still some weathered stains remaining - would appreciate some advice on this.

Answer 3

Headstone Cleaning Methodology

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iUw5xFoTHo

Answer 4

If its polished marble then the film on it which makes it look dull will be from oxidation in the atmoshere & algae etc will form a film on it. I would suggest using brasso or T Cut ( as you would use on a car to bring the colour back) This will remove the surface film & dullness tho it will probably reform in time. Give it a try, Good Luck

Answer 5

Some people will tell you that you should not clean the headstone, but here's a website that shows that it can be done safely and without damaging the stone. http://www.tsgraves.com/relics/headstone.htm

Answer 6

ru in the UK? occaisionally I get this little sales booklet and inside it was exactly what u want. As I cannot remember where I put it and now I have answered ur question I can get back 2u if and whe I find it. ts a small bottle cost around £5. Otherwise pop into ur local monumental mason who may give u some cleaner, its an acid.
Thanks to one of the guys above its the betterware cat.

Answer 7

if you live in the U.K go to the betterware website and you can get headstone cleaner, brings my mums one up a treat.

Answer 8

Mix a quarter cup of bleach in with your soapy water. If the surface is not polished and the bleach does not work, you can go to a hardware store and purchase ''Muriatic Acid''. Be careful, use long rubber gloves and goggles and follow the label's directions!

Answer 9

Please only use water! Any of the above mentioned cleaners will destroy a stone and compromise the integrity of it. You may not see the damage right away, but you are opening the stone up to all sorts of damage.

Answer 10

use two teaspoons of bycab/soda. with two tablespoons; of water.rub it on using a rag.let it dry; then polish off.