Raleigh headstone cleaning with care, dignity, and attention to detail.

When done correctly, no — but technique matters more than most people realize. Every cleaning removes a microscopic layer of stone, which is why we only clean when there is a real reason to: harmful biological growth like lichen or algae, or an inscription that has become unreadable. Cleaning "just to clean" is not best practice.

Our process: wet the stone thoroughly first, apply a mild non-ionic cleaner (D/2 Biological Solution or plain Dawn dish soap) with soft natural or nylon brushes only, and rinse completely — thorough rinsing is the single most important step and the one most often skipped. We always test any solution on a small, inconspicuous area before treating the whole stone.

We never use bleach, wire brushes, or pressure washers. Even low pressure can permanently etch older or softer stone surfaces.

Each material has its own recommended cleaning frequency — this is one of the most important things to understand before any cleaning takes place:

• Granite — Durable. Can typically be cleaned every 1–2 years.
• Marble, Limestone, Sandstone, Slate — Softer and more porous. Conservation experts recommend cleaning no more than once every 7–10 years to prevent surface deterioration. We take extra care with these and will be upfront if a stone should simply be left alone.
• Bronze — Can be maintained roughly every 3 months. Important: cleaning will not remove the natural blue-green patina, nor should it — the patina is a protective layer.
• Composite — Pore-free and low maintenance. Often only needs water and a soft cloth.

Location also plays a role. Stones in shaded, damp areas or under trees may need more attention due to faster moss and lichen growth. Stones in dry, sunny spots can often go years between cleanings. For historically significant markers, experts recommend cleaning no more than once per year regardless of material.