How to keep the stone clean and clear over the years.
Granite holds up well to weather and time, and a quality memorial is made to last for many years. A little care now and then keeps it looking the way it did the day it was set.
Cemetery sprinklers and ordinary tap water carry dissolved minerals, mostly calcium and magnesium. When the water dries in the sun, those minerals are left behind on the surface. Over time they build into a chalky white film, often called hard water deposits or limescale.
These deposits sit on top of the granite. They don’t harm the stone itself, and with the right approach they come off cleanly.
Twice a year is plenty for most markers, and the steps are simple.
Rinse the stone with clean water to loosen dust and debris.
Wash with a soft cloth or sponge and a few drops of mild dish soap in warm water.
Rinse again with clean water.
Dry with a soft towel. Drying is what keeps new water spots from forming.
When soap and water don’t quite do the job, a baking soda paste works gently, with no harsh chemicals:
1. Mix baking soda with a little water until it forms a paste about as thick as peanut butter.
2. Spread a thick layer over the cloudy area. Let it sit a few hours, or overnight for heavier buildup.
3. Lift the dried paste off with a plastic card or the edge of a wooden stick. Avoid using metal on the polished face.
4. Rinse well with clean water and buff dry with a soft towel.
Tip: Start in a small, out of the way corner so you can see what happens before you treat the whole surface. A soft touch does more good than hard scrubbing.
If you’d rather use a ready made cleaner, look for one labeled safe for natural stone and acid free. Two good choices we like:
Black Diamond Stoneworks
Stone & Tile Intensive Cleaner
An acid free, biodegradable concentrate made for marble, granite, and other natural stone. Lifts hard water film and everyday grime without harsh chemicals.
View on Amazon
MB Stone Care
Soap & Mineral Kit
A two piece, non acid kit from a professional stone care brand: the MB-5 spray for everyday cleaning, plus the MB-3 remover for tougher soap and mineral deposit buildup.
View on AmazonWe don’t sell these products ourselves and aren’t compensated for these links. We’re simply sharing what’s worked well for families.
Granite is tough, but its polished surface needs care.
Acidic cleaners can seem to cut through mineral spots, but with repeated use they wear down the protective seal and leave a dull haze on the polish that only a professional can restore. Granite is forgiving, so go easy on it.
Some jobs are better left to us, and we’re glad to help. Call us if you see:
• Deposits or staining that won’t lift after a gentle cleaning
• A dull or hazy look on the polished surface
• Lettering or engraving you’d like refreshed
• Chips, settling, or other repairs the marker may need
We offer professional cleaning on headstones and monuments of all sizes.
VJ Memorials has served Southern California families since 1966. We’re always a phone call away.
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Walk through our Chino factory, see full size granite samples, and talk to someone who knows these stones inside and out. No appointment needed.
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A complete printable guide to cleaning a headstone yourself.
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