How to Clean a Granite Headstone 

22 Aug 2022

Granite headstones last long despite being constantly exposed to harsh sunlight and heavy rains. However, those headstones can still accumulate dust and dirt, which makes the inscriptions hard to read. This also makes the headstones look less elegant and seem neglected. 

Cleaning and restoring a granite headstone 

To bring back the headstone’s elegance and have it appear to be well-maintained and cared for, you can do the following: 

  • Use lots of clean or distilled water during washing 
  • Use a soft cloth to remove the dirt and debris 
  • Avoid using household cleaners that might stain or damage the granite surfaces 

When in doubt, you should first clean a small hidden spot of the headstone before going all the way. Wait for the results to come out and know whether your method is harmless or causing surface damage. 

Although granite is a strong and long-lasting material (which is why it’s a popular material for headstones and other construction applications), it can still undergo significant physicochemical damages and gradual deterioration. As a result, it’s important to be careful when cleaning or washing a granite headstone. The goal is only to bring back its original shine and elegance, worthy of respect from everyone. 

A simple hand clean often does the job. Also, cleaning the headstones’ immediate surroundings brings a refreshing look to the entire headstone and memorial. Although in some cases a full restoration or renovation might be required (especially when the headstone has several largely visible cracks and chips), a simple gentle cleaning can often make the headstone looking well-maintained. 

If you require more information about headstone restoration, you can contact us here at Ring Memorial. For more than 70 years, we’ve been working on headstones and memorials in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Nepean district. Upon your request, we can further personalise the memorial and help you choose among a wide variety of granite colours. We can also add a few accessories to further personalise the memorial.