Questions to Ask Before You Accept a Cleaning Quote

headstone cleanning in Pennsylvania | headstone cleaning in California

A few years back, I got a call from a woman in Ohio whose grandmother's headstone was covered in black lichen. She'd gotten a quote from a local guy for $150. Sounded reasonable, right? I asked what he planned to use. She said, 'Some bleach and a wire brush.' I nearly dropped my coffee. Took me twenty minutes to talk her out of it. She ended up hiring a pro who used D/2 Biological Solution and a soft bristle brush. Cost her $200. Worth every penny.

That call stuck with me because most people don't know what to ask before they hand over cash. I've seen too many stones ruined by well-meaning folks who just accepted the cheapest quote. So let's fix that. Here are the questions you need to ask before you say yes to any headstone cleaning quote.

1. What cleaning chemicals do you use?

This is the big one. If they say 'bleach' or 'household cleaner,' run. Bleach eats away at the stone's surface over time. It's especially bad on marble and limestone. You want a pH-neutral, non-ionic cleaner. The gold standard is D/2 Biological Solution. It's what most cemetary preservationists use. It kills biological growth without damaging the stone. Ask them to name the product. If they can't, that's a red flag. A good cleaner will tell you exactly what they're using and why.

2. What tools will you use?

Tools matter more than you'd think. Soft bristle brushes — like natural horsehair or nylon — are safe. Anything metal? No. Wire brushes, steel wool, or scouring pads will scratch the stone. Those scratches trap dirt and make the stone look worse over time. Pressure washers are also a no-go on fragile stone. They can blast off the surface layer. Ask if they use a scrub brush by hand. That's the safest method. If they mention a power washer for anything other than rinsing from a distance, get a second opinion.

3. Do you test a small area first?

Any pro should test a small, inconspicuous spot before going all out. Why? Because different stones react differently. Sandstone is softer than granite. Marble can be porous. A test patch shows if the cleaner or method is safe. It also shows how long the cleaner needs to sit. Some biological growth takes 10-15 minutes to lift. If they skip this step, they're guessing. And guessing on a headstone is a bad idea.

4. Can you show me before-and-after photos of similar stones?

Don't just ask for photos. Ask for photos of stones that look like yours. Granite is tough. Marble is not. If they only show granite cleanings, they might not know how to handle limestone or sandstone. A good preservationist keeps a portfolio. They'll be proud to show it. If they get defensive or say they don't have any, that's a warning sign. Also look for consistency — do the 'after' photos show even coloring? No streaking? That's a sign of skill.

5. What's your experience with cemetery rules?

Every cemetery has it's own rules. Some ban all cleaning. Some require approval first. Some have a list of approved contractors. A pro should know this. Ask if they've worked in that cemetery before. If they haven't, ask if they'll check with the office first. I once saw a guy get kicked out of a historic cemetery for using a pressure washer without permission. The family had to pay for repairs. Don't let that be you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it normal for a cleaning quote to include the cost of D/2 Biological Solution?

A: Yes, and you should expect it. D/2 isn't cheap — about $40-$60 per gallon. A good quote will itemize the cleaner cost. If the price seems too low, they're likely using something cheaper and harsher. Ask for a breakdown.

Q: What if the cleaner says they use a 'special soap' but won't name it?

A: Walk away. No legitimate profesional hides their methods. They should be able to tell you the product name, the pH level, and why it's safe. If they're vague, assume they're using something that'll damage the stone.

Q: How long should a headstone cleaning take for a typical granite marker?

A: For a standard 2x3 foot granite monument, expect 30-60 minutes. That includes wetting, applying cleaner, letting it sit, scrubbing, and rinsing. If they quote 10 minutes, they're rushing and likely using harsh chemicals. If it's hours, they might be overcharging. Get specifics.

Q: Should I worry about the cleaner using a pressure washer for rinsing?

A: Only if they hold it too close. A gentle rinse from 2-3 feet away is fine. But if they're blasting the stone up close, that can erode the surface. Ask them to use a garden hose with a spray nozzle instead. If they insist on a pressure washer, make sure they show you the tip and distance.

Q: My headstone has gold leaf lettering. Can it be cleaned safely?

A: Yes, but only by someone experienced. Gold leaf is delicate. Harsh scrubbing or chemicals can peel it off. The cleaner should use a very soft brush and avoid direct contact with the lettering. D/2 is safe for gold leaf if applied carefully. Ask if they've done gold leaf before. If they hesitate, find someone else.