Hiring a Headstone Cleaner From Out of State the Smart Way

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A few years back, I got a call from a woman in Ohio. Her grandmother’s stone was in a tiny cemetary in rural Kentucky, and she couldn’t get down there herself. She’d found someone online who promised to clean it for $200. Sounded great. Until she sent me the the after-photo. The stone was a beautifull old marble—carved in 1887—and the guy had used a wire brush and some kind of household cleaner. It looked like he’d scrubbed it with sandpaper. The lettering was faint, the surface was pitted, and there were these ugly white streaks that wouldn’t come out. I had to tell her that damage was permanent. She cried. I felt sick. That call is why I’m writing this post.

So you’re thinking about hiring a headstone cleaner from out of state. Maybe you live far from a family plot. Maybe you just want a pro but can’t find one locally. I get it. I’ve done this work for fifteen years, and I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Done right, it’s a relief. Done wrong, it’s a disaster that can’t be undone. This post is about how to do it right — without getting burned or ruining a stone.

Start With the Stone Type — Not the Price

Before you even look at a cleaner’s website, find out what the headstone is made of. Seriously. This is step one. Most old stones (pre-1930) are marble, limestone, or sandstone. Those are soft. They scratch easy. Granite is harder, but even granite can get cloudy from the wrong stuff. A good out-of-state cleaner should ask you this right away. If they don’t, that’s a red flag. I always tell clients: send me a clear photo of the stone, close up, so I can see the grain. I can usually tell if it’s marble or granite from that. If they guess wrong, walk away. You don’t want someone who treats every stone like it’s a kitchen counter.

Ask What They Use — And Don’t Accept Vague Answers

This is the big one. A legit headstone cleaner will tell you exactly what products they use. My go-to is D/2 Biological Solution. It’s pH-neutral, non-ionic, and safe on almost every stone. It doesn’t kill lichen instantly — takes a few weeks — but it’s gentle. I’ve used it on a hundred-year-old marble angel without a problem. If they say “just water and a soft brush,” that’s fine too, but only for light dirt. If they say “I use a special mix” or “proprietary formula,” that’s a no from me. You want specifics. Also, ask if they ever use pressure washers. On fragile stone, pressure washing can blow the surface off. Literally. I’ve seen it. A good cleaner will say “only on granite, and only at low pressure, with a wide tip.” Anything else? Hard pass.

Get References and Check Them — For Real

I know, it’s awkward. But you’re hiring someone you’ll probably never meet. Ask for three recent references — people whose stones they cleaned in the last year. Then actually call or email them. I do this myself when I hire subs in other states. Ask: “Did they show up when they said they would? Did they send you before-and-after photos? Did they discuss the stone type with you?” One time, a guy gave me a reference who turned out to be his cousin. I could tell because the email address had the same last name. So dig a little. Look at their Google Maps or Facebook page, if they have one. Real reviews from real people matter. If they have zero online presence and won’t share references, run.

Get a Written Contract — Even for a Small Job

This might sound overkill for a single headstone, but trust me. I once had a client in Florida who paid a guy from Georgia $150 in cash to clean her father’s granite stone. The guy never showed. She had no way to get her money back. A simple written agreement — even an email — should include: the date, the price, what’s included (cleaning only, or also sealing?), what products they’ll use, and a guarantee that they won’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. If they balk at putting it in writing, that’s a huge red flag. I send my clients a one-page contract for every job, even local ones. It protects both of us.

Plan for Follow-Up and Photos

You’re not there. So you need proof. Before they start, ask for a photo of the stone as-is. After they finish, another photo — same angle, good lighting. I always tell my out-of-state clients: “I’ll send you a pic the same day, and I’ll leave a little card with my info so the cemetery knows who did the work.” A pro should be happy to do this. Also, set a time frame. If they say “I’ll be there next Tuesday,” check in. If they ghost you for a week, that’s bad. And don’t pay in full upfront. Half now, half when the work is done and you’ve seen the photos. I know it’s a pain to wire money or use PayPal, but it’s better than losing the whole amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I find a reputable headstone cleaner in another state?

A: Start with cemetery associations or historical societies near the plot. They often have lists of approved cleaners. Also check Facebook groups for genealogists or grave preservationists — real people post recommendations there. Avoid Craigslist or random Google ads. I’ve seen too many scams from those.

Q: What if the cleaner says they need to use bleach or a power washer?

A: Say no. Plain and simple. Bleach can eat into marble and limestone over time, and power washers can erode lettering. A good cleaner will use something like D/2 or just water and a soft nylon brush. If they push back, find someone else. Your stone isn’t a driveway.

Q: Can I trust a cleaner who only accepts cash or wire transfer?

A: Be careful. Cash is fine if you have a contract and references, but wire transfers are risky — hard to reverse. I prefer PayPal Goods and Services (not Friends and Family) because it has buyer protection. Or a credit card through a simple invoicing service. If they insist on untraceable payment, that’s a red flag.

Q: How much should I expect to pay for an out-of-state headstone cleaning?

A: It depends. For a single, small stone (like a flat marker), $100 to $200 is typical. For a large upright or a family plot with multiple stones, $300 to $500 or more. Travel costs might add $50 to $100. If someone quotes you $50, they’re probably cutting corners. If they quote $1000 for one small stone, that’s too high.

Q: What if the stone has lichen or heavy moss? Can an out-of-state cleaner handle that?

A: Yes, but it takes patience. D/2 kills lichen slowly — you might see resultes in two to four weeks, not instantly. A good cleaner will explain that and might do a follow-up visit for free if needed. Avoid anyone who promises to scrape it off fast. That usually damages the stone.