Cleaning & Maintenance Guide
We recommend gently cleaning the memorial once a year, preferably during cooler weather. Working in cooler conditions is kinder to the stone, helps the cleaning solution work without drying too fast, and gives you the best results while preserving the memorial with the same care and respect it was created with.
What You Will Need
• Mild dish soap — or a 50/50 mix of white vinegar & distilled water (best for sprinkler minerals)
• Spray bottle
• Soft bristle brush or plastic scrub brush
• Soft toothbrush (for lettering and carvings)
• Clean distilled water — enough to wet the stone first and rinse thoroughly after cleaning
• Optional: small pruners or scissors for trimming grass around the base
Important — DO NOT USE
• Granite sealers
• Wax or paste polish
• Household polishes or coatings
These are made for indoor granite and can damage outdoor memorials over time.
General Cleaning Steps
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Pre-Wet the Monument Soak the entire stone with clean distilled water before applying any cleaner. Pre-wetting prevents the solution from soaking into the granite. The stone should remain wet through the entire cleaning process.
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Clean Gently From Bottom to Top Spray with your cleaning solution and gently scrub with soft brushes. Work upward to avoid streaking.
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Rinse Thoroughly Rinse with clean distilled water until all cleaner or soap is removed.
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Let Dry & Inspect Allow the stone to dry fully and check for any remaining stains or mineral deposits.
Treating Common Stains
Dirt & Bird Droppings
Use mild dish soap and distilled water with a soft brush or toothbrush. Rinse well.
Organic / Wood Stains on Light Granite
These often fade naturally in the sun. For faster removal, mix a few drops of ammonia into 15% hydrogen peroxide and apply until lifted.
Mineral Deposits from Sprinklers
Use a 50/50 vinegar and distilled water solution. For heavy buildup, we carry a professional product that can be diluted or used full strength with a plastic scrubber and rinsed well.
Oil or Grease Stains
Make a paste with 1 cup flour + 2 Tbsp hydrogen peroxide + a small amount of distilled water. Apply and let it pull out the stain, then rinse thoroughly. Brake fluid can remove tar or sap — use carefully and rinse well.
Colored or Persistent Stains
Soft Scrub with Bleach has given good results. Apply and leave for about 3 hours, then rinse. Re-apply if needed.
Questions or Need Assistance?
At Barker Memorials & Monuments, we are happy to answer questions or recommend safe products. If you prefer professional cleaning or have concerns, please contact us — we are here to help you preserve the memorial with care and respect.
Disclaimer:
These instructions are general guidelines for outdoor granite memorials. Conditions vary by stone type, age, exposure, and prior treatment. Barker Memorials & Monuments is not responsible for damage caused by improper cleaning products or methods.
