Cleaning Marble Headstone
Moss Stains

by Gus Schick
(Millville, NJ)

QUESTION: I want to clean a marble headstone - the type supplied by the VA - which is badly stained with moss and lichen growth. What will remove the black stains left by the lichens?

ANSWER: Gus, a mild bleach and water solution and soft bristle scrub brush should take out the mossy marble stains.

In a spray bottle mix 1 part bleach to 4 parts water. Spray the mix on the stains and scrub to work the bleach into the marble.

You may have to make several applications. Hopefully the stains are not too deep.

In general, there's no need to treat or seal the stone when it's outside. Sunlight and rain usually work just fine to remove stains.

However, I gather in this case too much moisture and shade may be causing the mossy build up. If you can, increase the sunlight exposure (trimming branches, bushes) and spray the entire marble headstone with the bleach solution whenever you visit. That should keep it looking nice and tidy.

Tell us your results using the comment link at the bottom of this page. Thanks.

Good Luck,
Ryan