A Headstone,is a permanent marker, normally carved from stone, placed over or next to the site of a burial in a cemetery or elsewhere. Markers usually bear inscriptions: epitaphs in praise of the deceased or quotations from religious texts. In a few instances the inscription is in the form of a plea, admonishment, testament of faith, claim to fame or even a curse.
There are times when biological growth may be causing deterioration of the stone. In such circumstances it may become necessary to clean the stone. Algae, lichen, fungi can be hazardous to headstones because they trap moisture on. They also secrete acids that can dissolve limestone, marble, sandstone, concrete, and mortar. Plant life -- such as ivy, ferns, and moss, may be hazardous to the gravestone because they have roots that will penetrate the stone and also because they trap moisture.
Basic Cleaning Method.
Basic Cleaning: Remove any loose debris or plant life. Thoroughly wet the stone with a hose and running water. The water will wash away some of the dirt or biological material, and also is essential to prevent the stone from absorbing the detergent you will be using as the next step in cleaning. Gently scrub the stone with very light pressure in a circular motion using a soft-bristle brush to dislodge soil/biological growth from the stone. A dry brush can damage the Gravestone by removing the upper layers of the stone, causing it to deteriorate faster or by opening small holes or pores for future biological growth. Use a clean brush to clean with; don't abrade the gravestone by dragging dirt, sand, particles of broken stone, twigs, etc. across the surface you are supposed to be protecting. Use clean water. If the gravestone is particularly dirty, change your bucket of water frequently Rinse the stone thoroughly with water.
Cleaning with soap
Thoroughly wet the stone with running water from a hose. This, of course, isn't necessary if this step follows basic water cleaning since the stone will ready be wet. Create a cleaning solution of water and soap in a clean bucket. Dip soft-bristle brush in the soap solution and scrub the stone with very light pressure in a circular motion to dislodge soil/biological growth from the stone. Allow a water hose to run on the stone as you clean. Rinse your brush frequently using clean water, then dip it back into the soap bucket to pick up more solution if biological materials continue to cling to the stone, you may use a wooded Popsicle stick, or bamboo skewer to gently pry or scrape the material away from the surface - if the stone is in stable condition When the stone is clean, rinse it thoroughly with water. This means allowing water to run over the stone for at least an additional five minutes
Before cleaning any headstone, carefully check its condition. If the surface readily falls away, or you notice other conditions that indicate the stone is brittle or vulnerable, do not clean it. Cleaning may irreparably damage the surface.