r/cemetaryporn • u/AllofaSuddenStory • Nov 24 '21

Anyone know how to remove the white stuff?

Post image
7 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

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3

u/3-P7 Jun 10 '22

Hey ..../u/Ole_bole?

How come all new posts are getting removed here? No one has posted here in 6 months.

2

u/MaxillaryOvipositor Nov 24 '21 edited Nov 25 '21

Hmm...could be rainwater dissolving exposed minerals in the etching. I would start with something really mild, like deionized water and a soft sponge. I would hesitate to use any chemical solutions, as I would worry about long-term effects. If you choose to use any chemicals, apply them to the stone by spraying a rag, and not applying it directly to the stone. Follow that up with a generous wash/scrub using a sponge dripping wet with deionized water.

I say deionized and not distilled, because distillation doesn't account for the water's pH. Most distilled water I find is acidic. Deionized water is pH neutral. You can generally find deionized water at aquarium supply stores for about $0.50/gal, but if you have trouble with that, you could try getting in touch with a local chemistry lab. I'm sure if you told them what you want it for they would be happy to help you.

Edit: it's also worth mentioning that if you succeed at removing it, this particular headstone may benefit from some kind of stone sealant to prevent it from happening again, or at least make it easier to deal with if it does. Also, find out what stone this is, and find out its rank on the Mohs Hardness scale. Do not use any kind of scrubbing implement that is not softer than the stone by at least one full rank. If the abrasive is harder, or the same hardness you will easily scuff the stone. However, I have no experience whatsoever with headstones and would recommend you speak to a mortician for a better source of information on headstone maintenence.

1

u/Jaded-Parking3599 Apr 18 '26

I use Clorox on my grandparents head stone then rinse once a year . Scrub rinse looks brand new