Cemetery Stone Restoration in Philadelphia, PA: Marble, Granite & More

Headstone Cleaning in Philadelphia, PA | Pennsylvania Headstone Cleaners

Last spring, I was wandering through the old section of Oakwood Memorial Park in the Northeast—the part that’s tucked behind the newer plots, where the sycamores lean in like old friends. I was looking for my great-great-grandmother’s headstone, which I’d only seen in a faded photograph. When I finally found it, my heart sank. The marble was almost black with lichen and soot, and ivy had woven itself into the carved letters, pulling chunks of the stone away. I knelt down and started pulling the vines with my bare hands, and I could feel the surface crumbling. That’s when I knew I had to learn how to do this right—not just for her, but for all the forgotten stones in our Philadelphia cemeteries. After months of research and alot of trial and error, I want to share what I’ve learned about cemetary stone restoration in Philadelphia, PA, so you can bring your family’s history back to light without causing more harm.

Know Your Stone: Marble vs. Granite vs. Sandstone in Philly’s Climate

Philadelphia’s wheather is tough on headstones—freeze-thaw cycles in winter, humid summers, and that acid rain from all our city traffic. Marble is soft and porous, so it soaks up moisture and crumbles easily. Granite is much harder, but even it can develop cracks if water gets in. Sandstone, which you’ll see in older cemeteries like Laurel Hill, is like a sponge and can delaminate. Before you start cleaning, run your hand over the stone. If it feels powdery or flakes off, it’s fragile. Always test a small, inconspicuous spot first. And never—I mean never—use harsh household chemicals or abrasive tools. Those can strip the patina and etch the surface permanently.

The Only Cleaner You Should Trust: D/2 Biological Solution

After a lot of research, the only product I use now is D/2 Biological Solution. It’s a pH-neutral, non-ionic cleaner that kills algae, moss, and lichen without damaging the stone. I’ve used it on my grandmother’s marble marker at Greenmount Cemetery in Germantown, and it took off decades of grime without a single scratch. You just mix it with water (follow the label—I do a 1:4 ratio for heavy growth), spray it on, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, and then gently rinse with a low-pressure hose. For stubborn spots, use a soft-bristle brush (natural fiber, not metal). D/2 is available online or at some local monument shops—I found mine at Keystone Memorials on Broad Street.

Step-by-Step: How I Restored a 19th-Century Marble Headstone at Oakwood

Here’s the proccess I followed for my great-great-grandmother’s stone. First, I cleared away all the overgrowth by hand—no weed whackers near the stone. Then I pre-wet the marble with a garden sprayer to keep the cleaner from drying too fast. I applied D/2 solution with a pump sprayer, working from the bottom up to avoid drips. After 12 minutes, I used a soft nylon brush in circular motions on the carved letters—gently, because marble is soft. Then I rinsed with a hose on a gentle shower setting, no pressure nozzle. The lichen came off in sheets. I let it dry for two days before applying a stone-safe sealer (only for marble—granite doesn’t need it). The result was incredible: I could read her name, ‘Margaret H. O’Neill,’ for the first time in probably 50 years.

When to Call a Professional—and Who to Trust in Philly

Some stones are too damaged for DIY work. If you see deep cracks, sinking, or biological growth that’s eaten into the stone, call a professional. In Philadelphia, I recommend reaching out to the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia—they have a list of certified conservators. I’ve also heard good things about the team at Old City Restorations, who specialize in historic cemeteries like Mount Moriah. They use the same gentle methods I do, but they have the tools to lift and reset stones safely. It might cost a few hundred dollars, but it’s worth it to avoid a collapse. And if you’re restoring a stone in a city-owned cemetery like Fair Hill, you might need a permit—check with the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation office first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use bleach or vinegar to clean a headstone in Philadelphia?

A: No—please skip those. Bleach and vinegar are harsh household chemicals that can etch marble and sandstone, especially in our humid climate where they linger. Stick with a pH-neutral cleaner like D/2 Biological Solution. I learned this the hard way when I tried vinegar on a test spot and saw the stone turn white and chalky.

Q: Is pressure washing safe for cemetery stones in Philly’s historic cemeteries?

A: Generally, no. Pressure washers can blast away the surface of soft stones like marble and sandstone, especially if they’re already weathered. I’ve seen headstones at Laurel Hill that were ruined by well-meaning family members with power washers. Use a low-pressure garden hose instead—gentle is better.

Q: How often should I clean a headstone in Philadelphia?

A: It depends on the location. In shady, damp areas (like many plots in Greenmount Cemetery), you might need to clean every 2–3 years. In sunnier spots, every 5 years is usually enough. I check my family stones after each winter and do a light cleaning in spring if I see algae starting.

Q: What should I do if a headstone is tilted or sinking in the ground?

A: Don’t try to lift it yourself—you could crack it. Contact a professional monument restorer or your cemetery office. In Philadelphia, many older cemeteries like Mount Moriah have volunteer groups that can help. Tilted stones often need a new concrete base, which is a job for experts.

Q: Can I use a wire brush to remove moss from a granite headstone?

A: Please don’t. Even on granite, wire brushes can leave tiny scratches that trap moisture and lead to cracking over time. Use a soft nylon brush or a plastic scraper for any stubborn bits. I keep a set of soft brushes from a local art supply store just for this purpose.