To clean a headstone, use the gentlest method first: soft brushes (nylon, horsehair) and plain water with mild dish soap, working from bottom to top to avoid streaks, then rinse thoroughly.

For tough biological growth, use a specialized product like D/2 Biological Solution, or a baking soda/peroxide paste for mold, but avoid harsh chemicals, wire brushes, or power washers, which damage stone.  

Before you start

Check cemetery rules: 

Get permission if needed.

Identify the stone:  Marble and limestone need extra care; granite is more durable. 

Gather supplies: Soft brushes (toothbrush, nylon), spray bottle, bucket, water, mild dish soap (like Dawn), microfiber cloths, maybe wooden skewers for crevices, and potentially D/2 or baking soda. 

1. Clear debris: 

Remove loose dirt, leaves, and grass with a soft brush or by hand, avoiding scratching. 

2. Apply cleaner (if needed):

• Mild dirt: Mix a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle with water. 
• Mold/Mildew: A poultice of baking soda, dish soap, and hydrogen peroxide can work. 
• Biological growth: Use a dedicated cleaner like D/2 Biological Solution as recommended by preservationists.

3. Scrub gently: 

 Wet the stone, apply solution, and gently scrub in circular motions with a soft brush, working upwards from the bottom to prevent streaking. Use a toothbrush or skewer for tight lettering.

4. Rinse thoroughly: 

Rinse the stone with clean water, ensuring all soap and cleaner residue is gone, as soap residue can attract dirt.

5. Dry (optional):

 Pat dry with a clean cloth for polished granite, but often air drying is fine.-

-What to avoid-

NO: power washers, wire brushes, or harsh chemicals (bleach, acids). 

NO: waxes or polishes on granite. 

Limit frequency: Don't clean more than once a year to preserve the stone's surface.