How to Clean a Grave Stone

A grave stone that needs cleaning

Grave stones mark the burial grounds for those who have passed away. Over time, grave stones erode, develop stains, and the writing on them may become unreadable. Grave stones, however, can be cleaned to maintain their appearance: Using bleach to clean grave stones is quite an effective method to clean older grave stones, without removing their old look. The grave stones will, however, become more attractive and the writing on them once again readable.

Things You'll Need

• 3 cups bleach
• 6 cups water
• Large bowl
• Scrub brush
• Garden gloves
• Garden shears
• Latex gloves
• Gallon jug of water or garden hose

Instructions

1. Mix 6 cups of water with 3 cups of bleach in a large bowl. Place a scrub brush in the bowl and allow it to soak in the solution. Set the bowl aside.

2. Wear your garden gloves, and use your garden shears to cut away any weeds, overgrown hedges, or tall grass that covers the grave stone.

3. Leave your garden gloves on, and dust all of the solid dirt and debris from the surface of the stone. Use your fingers to remove dirt from the stone etchings as well.

4. Put your latex gloves on and remove the scrub brush from the bleach solution. Scrub from the top of the gravestone to the bottom. Scrub all sides of the stone, and repeat until the stone is clean. Brush in gentle circles, especially if the stone is very old. Brushing too vigorously may cause damage to the surface.

5. Rinse the stone with the gallon jug of water, or a garden hose if one is available. Be sure to rinse away all of the bleach solution, so that continued exposure to the bleach does not speed up the erosion process.

References

• Williamson Family
• Gravestone Preservation