Stone Care & Cleaning
By Old World Stones
Granite - Basic Gentle Cleaning (Best for Routine Maintenance)
- Thoroughly wet the entire headstone with water to loosen dirt and prevent soap from soaking in.
- Mix a small amount of mild, pH-neutral dish soap (like plain Dawn, Ivory, or Orvus paste) with water.
- Use a soft natural-fiber or soft nylon brush (never wire, metal, or stiff plastic bristles) to gently scrub in circular motions.
- Pay extra attention to lettering and carvings with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse thoroughly and repeatedly with lots of clean water to remove all soap residue.
Let it air dry (pat with a clean microfiber cloth if needed—no towels that might leave lint).
River Stones - Gentle Cleaning (Best for Routine Maintenance)
- Thoroughly soak/wet the entire river stone with water to loosen surface grime and prevent soap from absorbing deeply into pores.
- Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with water (a few drops per gallon is plenty—don't over-soap).
- Dip a soft brush or cloth in the soapy water and gently scrub in circular motions. Focus lightly on the engraved areas to avoid wearing down the lettering.
- For stubborn spots in crevices, use a soft toothbrushÂ
- Rinse extremely well—multiple times—with clean water to remove all soap residue (leftover soap can attract more dirt or cause haze).
- Pat dry gently with a clean microfiber cloth or let air dry completely.