Insights

Do No Harm: A Practical Guide to Safe DIY Headstone Care

Discover the rules of safe DIY gravestone care. Learn why household cleaners ruin monuments and when you need expert restoration.

We don't believe families should be cut off from caring for a loved one's grave themselves. Light cleaning is fine — as long as you stick to the safe regimen below.

What you need

Plain water, a soft natural-bristle brush, a soft cotton cloth, and optionally D/2 Biological Solution (used by the National Park Service).

The steps

Wet the entire stone with clean water. Wait 5 minutes. Brush gently in small circles, top to bottom. Rinse with clean water. Pat dry with the cloth.

What to skip

No pressure washers. No vinegar, bleach, dish soap, or household cleaners. No wire brushes or scrapers. If lichen doesn't come off with a gentle brush, leave it for a professional visit.


Ready when you are.

We visit, we clean, we restore — and we send a photo report after every visit.

Reviewed by real families on
Call usOrder Care