Cleaning Grave surround,advice needed

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gooner

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I need to clean a grave surround,which I think is either limestone or sandstone.Has anyone got any tips on what to use?

The info found on the net suggests using a non-ionic detergant (not exactly sure what that is) to avoid damaging the stone.Anyone know where I can get such a product or specialist cleaning product for the job.

I was looking at this product on the b&q website,but not sure if it is suitable.

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One product I did see recommended on a headstone cleaning article was orvus, which i believe is used by farmers.
 
Hi,

I have used ordinary bleach before on limestone kerbs and headstones, (the non-thick kind).

Starting at the top, I just used an old paintbrush to apply, and let it do its job, minimising the amount of scrubbing with scrubbing and wire brush. The bleach will eat away the buildup of dirt/discolouration/green.

You will still have to wire brush, but the bleach is cheap and effective.
 
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Get some Chloras at the dairy gold co-op or its equivalent , it is used by farmers for washing down the insides of milking machines. Great for cleaning up paths & green off concrete
 
when i clean my grandfathers grave,i used a power washer,its got cut limestone surrond,brought it up like new.and only took half an hour max..
 
Thanks for all the replies.I have read that using bleach can cause decay/errosion of the stone,as it continues to work after you are finished.Is this true?

Also read that power washers are too severe for use on grave stone.

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All comments/advice most welcome.
 
Hi,

obviously you don't want to cause any damage, but a block of limestone won't be damaged by a few minutes exposure to some bleach, water and scrubbing. I have done this myself. I used to work as a gravedigger for many years, so I am very familiar with graves and surrounds etc

I can't see how a powerwasher could be too powerful, after all if you get a headstone erector to clean your headstone and kerbs, he will sandblast it all anyway.
 
Hi Guys. Thanks for the advice.Used the Bleach method Today,but didn't get all the stains off (still quite bad).I first gave it a good clean with patio cleaner and a scrubing brush.Then I painted the bleach on and left it (the rain washed it off later in the afternoon).

So now I am thinking of giving a power washer a go.But my problem is that there is neither power or a water tap close to the grave.I know I could use a generator to power the washer or hire a petrol one.But what about the water,can I use a barrel and a hose,or must the water be fed under pressuse from a tap?

Thanks in advance for your help.
 
you can get/hire a power washer petrol engine driven, water can be fed by gravity feed into the washer
 
get a petrol powered washer,and it will suck the water up itself out of a barrel,if the washer wont get it off then its stuck for good,your talking about 3000 psi with a power washer,
 
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