How to Clean a Black Granite Headstone

Cleaning a black granite headstone isn't difficult.

A black granite headstone is a sophisticated, respectful material of choice used to honor the memory of someone. This type of headstone will withstand many years of outdoor exposure without diminishing in quality or appearance. As time passes, the granite collects dirt, pollen, hard water spots and other outdoor elements that require you to clean the headstone on occasion. You can do this with a handful of inexpensive cleaning ingredients and a few minutes of your time.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottles
• Cleaning rags
• Toothbrush
• Water
• pH-neutral dish soap

Instructions

1. Fill one spray bottle with water.

2. Fill a second spray bottle with a mixture of 2 cups water and 1 squirt pH-neutral dish soap, which will safely clean the black granite.

3. Spray the cleaning solution directly onto the headstone.

4. Scrub engravings and other crevices with an old toothbrush. Wipe the rest of the headstone with a regular cleaning cloth.

5. Spray the entire headstone with plain water, and wipe clean with a fresh cleaning cloth.

6. Restore shine to the headstone by buffing with a clean, dry cleaning cloth. The black granite tends to accumulate water spots and streaks, so taking time to dry the headstone greatly improves the appearance of the granite.

References

• Everlife Memorials: Cleaning Cemetery Tombstones