Headstone Cleaning – A Unique Gift Idea!

Headstones are more than markers for the deceased—they are enduring testaments to the lives of our ancestors. For genealogists and family historians, visiting a cemetery can be one of the most rewarding parts of the research journey. These stones may offer dates, names, relationships, religious symbols, epitaphs, military service details, and even clues to immigration or ethnic background.

However, time and the elements take their toll. Moss, lichen, air pollution, and acid rain can obscure inscriptions, while improper cleaning techniques may permanently damage these historic markers. If you’ve ever stood before a nearly illegible stone and felt the temptation to scrub it clean, you’re not alone—but taking the correct approach is vital for preserving history.

Why Headstones Matter in Genealogical Research

Cemeteries are unique historical records. When vital records and censuses are incomplete or lost, headstones may survive and provide important primary source information. A single tombstone might reveal:

• Full names, including maiden names or middle names not found elsewhere.
• Birth and death dates, often more precise than in other records.
• Family relationships, such as “wife of” or “son of.”
• Migration clues, such as place of birth or origin inscriptions.
• Religious affiliation, indicated by symbols like crosses, Stars of David, or inscriptions in Latin or Hebrew.
• Military service, with unit information or war served in.

These details help genealogists confirm identities, connect family groups, and construct accurate timelines. Clean, legible stones allow for transcription, photography, and digital preservation. But before you reach for your brush, it’s essential to know how to care for these fragile records responsibly.

When (and When Not) to Clean a Headstone

Not every headstone should be cleaned. First, assess whether cleaning is truly needed. Many preservationists follow the rule: “Do no harm.” Here’s a checklist to help decide:

Only clean a headstone if

• It is stable and intact—no cracks, flaking, or leaning.
• The inscription is obscured by biological growth, not by erosion.
• You have permission from the cemetery or family.
• The stone is not historically protected by local preservation laws.

If in doubt, consult with the cemetery sexton, a local historical society, or a preservationist. While your intentions may be good, unauthorized cleaning is sometimes considered vandalism. Always seek permission from cemetery caretakers, respect private property laws, be sensitive to cultural practices and religious customs, and don’t clean iconic or historically significant stones without professional oversight. If you’re involved in a group cleanup project, ensure it has proper approvals and follows preservation guidelines. Remember, cleaning a stone too often can accelerate damage. Once every 5–10 years is usually sufficient.

It’s important to take care when visiting a cemetery, as you may encounter unexpected dangers such as felled tree limbs, roots, toppled stones, soft soil or holes in the ground, and a myriad of other hazards. Never walk on top of stones in the ground, and don’t sit on top of stones or lean on them for support. If you visit in the Autumn, fallen leaves may cover the ground so be careful where you step. Likewise, if you visit in the Winter and there is snow.

My mom really enjoys visiting the headstone of her parents, who passed away about twenty years ago. But the headstone was starting to show signs of wear, which was distressing to her. As her birthday approached, it occurred to me that cleaning the stone would be a fun and unique gift to give her! But first, I had to learn the proper procedures and techniques to ensure no damage was done.

Tools and Supplies

Cleaning a headstone doesn’t require expensive equipment. However, using the wrong materials can cause irreversible damage. Avoid any harsh chemicals, power washers, or abrasive tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

Recommended Supplies

• Clean water (ideally distilled or from a pump sprayer)
• Soft-bristle brushes (natural or nylon, no metal or wire)
• Wooden or plastic scrapers (for lichen removal)
• Non-ionic detergent, such as D/2 Biological Solution or Orvus WA Paste
• Buckets
• Gloves
• Soft cloths or sponges
• Plastic sheeting or a towel to kneel on
• Protective eyewear

Avoid

• Bleach or household cleaners (they can erode the stone or cause staining)
• Pressure washers (they can crack and strip the surface)
• Wire brushes or steel wool (they leave micro-scratches that worsen decay)
• Acids or vinegar (they chemically alter and weaken the stone)

Follow these next steps to ensure you clean the stone correctly.

FIRST: Assess the Stone. Without touching it, inspect it closely. Is it cracked, chipped, or crumbling? Don’t clean! Is the lettering deeply recessed or already fading? Use only the gentlest techniques. Determine what material it is. Most headstones are marble, granite, sandstone, or slate. Each has different sensitivities and react to cleaning differently. Here are a few quick tips:

Granite (often used in 20th-century stones): harder and more resilient, can usually tolerate gentle scrubbing.

Marble (common in 19th-century stones): soft and prone to erosion, use only the gentlest pressure, avoid repeated cleanings – every few years is plenty.

Sandstone and Slate (common in 18^th century stones and earlier): Porous and susceptible to flaking, don’t clean if the surface is delaminating or feels soft to the touch.

SECOND: Document the Condition. Take clear before photos, including any inscriptions, damage, and the surrounding area. This helps track deterioration and provides a record of your efforts.

THIRD: Rinse with Water. Generously rinse the stone from top to bottom with clean water to loosen dirt and soften biological growth. If there’s no nearby water source, bring multiple gallon jugs or use a backpack sprayer. Never clean a dry stone—it’s more vulnerable to damage. If it’s very hot out, do not pour cold water on it as it may cause stress and cracks in the stone. Let it cool first. Likewise, don’t clean in freezing temperatures when the water could freeze in cracks in the stone.

FOURTH: Apply Cleaning Solution. For biological growth like moss, algae, or lichen, apply a biological cleaner such as D/2 Biological Solution. Spray it directly on the surface and allow it to sit for 5–10 minutes. D/2 is non-toxic, biodegradable, and recommended by the National Park Service. Over the weeks following application, it will continue to lighten the stone naturally as growth dies off. If the stone is covered in ivy, do not pull it off. Instead, cut the plants at the base and wait for them to die.

FIFTH: Gently Scrub. Use a soft-bristle brush and work from the bottom up to prevent streaking. Scrub in small circular motions, frequently rinsing both the stone and your brush. Don’t attempt to remove every stain—some discoloration is natural and not worth the risk of damage. The goal is legibility and preservation, not perfection.

SIXTH: Rinse Thoroughly. Once scrubbing is complete, rinse the entire stone again, thoroughly removing all residue. This final rinse is critical to prevent streaking and residue buildup. You can use a clean cloth to make sure you get all the cleaning solution off.

LAST: Photograph the Results. Take after photos for your records. You may be amazed how much clearer the inscriptions appear, especially after the D/2 has continued working for a few weeks.

It was so fun to present the results to my mom for her birthday! We got a large cardstock birthday card and took before and after pictures. She was so happy and couldn’t wait to go visit the cemetery herself to see the results.

Preserving More Than a Name

Cleaning a headstone is not just about removing grime—it’s about respecting history and preserving stories. When done properly, this act of care can reveal forgotten names, inspire deeper research, and connect families across time. As genealogists, we often walk where others have walked before, sometimes literally retracing footsteps in sacred ground. A well-maintained headstone can be the key that unlocks a family mystery or confirms a generational link.

So next time you visit an ancestor’s grave, pause to appreciate what that stone has witnessed—and if the situation allows, lend a gentle hand in preserving it for the next generation of seekers.

Wondering how to learn where your ancestors are buried, or need help interpreting old inscriptions? Price Genealogy would love to help—feel free to reach out.

Emily

Sources:

1. FamilySearch Blog, “How to Clean a Headstone: Tips and Tricks,” by Annie Tennant, 20 May 2025 (https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/how-to-clean-a-headstone).

2. National Park Service, Cemetery Conservation (https://www.nps.gov/subjects/ncptt/cemetery-conservation.htm)

3. Cemetery Conservators for United Standards (CCUS) (https://cemeteryconservatorsunitedstandards.org)

Photos:

1 – Cemetery in Devon, England, April 2013, photo taken by author.

2 – Ye Olde Burial Ground, Lexington, Massachusetts, October 2024, photo taken by author.

3 – Cleaning a Headstone, March 2023, photo owned by author.

4 – Cleaning a Headstone, March 2023, photo owned by author.

5 – Birthday Card Showing Dirty and Clean Headstone, March 2023, photo owned by author.