Cleaning 100 Year Old Headstones Without Touching Them

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Preserving the Past: A Cemetery Cleaning Journey

Today, we’re at one of Nashville’s historic cemeteries, surrounded by graves of Revolutionary War and Civil War figures. Among them lies William Driver, the man who gave the American flag its famous name—"Old Glory."

His beautifully carved headstone has been overtaken by moss, algae, and dirt from decades of exposure. To restore it without causing damage, we’re using Monu-mental, a specially formulated, quat-based cleaner designed for historic monuments and delicate surfaces.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Pressure or Bleach on Old Gravestones

When cleaning delicate stone surfaces, it’s crucial to use the right approach. Many people make the mistake of using pressure washers or bleach, which can actually:

🚫 Erode soft stone like marble and limestone
🚫 Cause staining or discoloration on granite
🚫 Damage engravings and historical details

That’s why we rely on Monumental—a non-toxic, no-rinse, spray-and-walk-away solution that cleans deeply without scrubbing or harsh chemicals.

What Makes Monu-mental the Best Choice for Cleaning Gravestones?

Monumental is designed specifically for monuments, gravestones, and sculptures. Here’s why it stands out:

✔ No scrubbing or rinsing required – Just spray and let nature do the work
✔ Non-toxic & non-corrosive – Safe for historic monuments and the environment
✔ No bleach or acids – Won’t cause damage to stone surfaces
✔ Kills mold, mildew, moss, and lichen at a cellular level

Unlike traditional cleaners, Monumental’s quat-based formula works by attacking algae cells from the inside, causing them to implode and die off naturally.

Step-by-Step: How to Clean a Gravestone with Monumental

Step 1: Choose the Right Equipment

For this job, we’re using a Milwaukee battery-powered sprayer. These sprayers are:

✅ Lightweight and easy to use
✅ Provide even coverage
✅ No hand-pumping required

While you can dilute Monumental, I’m using it full strength for quick, dramatic results since this headstone is heavily stained.

Step 2: Apply Monumental to the Gravestone

To ensure maximum effectiveness:

1️⃣ Spray a liberal coat on all areas covered in moss, algae, and stains.
2️⃣ Focus on nooks and crannies where organic growth hides.
3️⃣ Let the cleaner soak into the stone—the porous surface will absorb it like a sponge.

💡 Pro Tip: Apply Monumental when you expect a few days of dry weather so the solution can work its magic before rain naturally rinses away debris.

Step 3: Monitor & Let Nature Take Its Course

Unlike pressure washing, which gives instant results but risks damage, Monumental works over time.

🔹 The cleaner will kill organic growth immediately, but some moss and lichen may remain visible until rain naturally washes it away.
🔹 In a few weeks, the gravestone will brighten dramatically with no effort required.
🔹 A follow-up application may be needed for deep-set stains or heavily covered surfaces.

Results: The Immediate Impact of Monu-mental

After just one application, you can already see the difference.

🔹 Coated areas are visibly lighter and cleaner.
🔹 Dark algae and grime start fading.
🔹 The untreated side remains dark and stained, showing a clear contrast.

For heavily stained gravestones, I recommend a second application once the initial coat has had time to work.

Respecting Historic Monuments: Why Proper Cleaning Matters

Cemeteries are more than just burial grounds—they’re pieces of history. Preserving these engraved stories requires gentle care and the right cleaning methods.

Using Monumental allows us to:

✅ Restore historic gravestones without damage
✅ Honor the memory of those buried
✅ Maintain cemeteries for future generations