Statue Cleaning

[chirpychippy]

There isn't a section for this question, so I've chosen as close as.

Our Daughters Headstone has a statue on it that is the colour of sandstone, over the years the statue has become dirty and has attracted algae, this bothers me, I want to clean it, but I don't want to damage it and am wondering what would be the best method product to do this cleaning.

If anyone has any experience they can share it would be appreciated.

Thanks, Chirpy.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Quite a few videos on this kind of stuff on YouTube, also check out the videos on the Historic England YT channel.

 

[Odds]

Weathering on a statue is to be expected and cleaning it can only obscure features if done too much.
Maybe a light dry-brushing to get the worst off ...

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Algaecide is commonly sold for use in swimming pools, but is also available specifically for stonework. I'd just brush some on with a paintbrush and leave it. There will be no immediate effects but hopefully it will then start to naturally fall away over the following weeks.

One example of many...

Essential Natural Stone Cleaner

Essential Natural Stone Cleaner is a highly effective outdoor cleaner for natural stone. It'll remove grime, dirt, green algae & lichen.

www.stonecare4u.co.uk

Unlike acid-based cleaners, the alkaline based solution will not damage or etch the surface of the stone.

Any sort of brushing would definitely erode the stone. Perhaps imperceptibly, but done a few times if may soften the features.

 

[DiyNutJob]

The only passive cleaner I use is thick bleach undiluted, and applied with paint brush. It will produce a clean spot that makes the cleaned area stand out from the surrounding. It will kill biology.

 

[Koolpc]

My grandparents headstone is dirty and moss on it. I may try bleach...

 

[Tricky-Dicky]

Hi,
Used this on several family headstones, just mixed some up, then used a hand sprayer to apply, no brushing etc required. As stated takes weeks/months for it to work, but it does work. It's now very easy now to find the 'cleaned' headstones in the cemetery. Bit dear, but works.
Just made several Xmas wreaths, will be taking 4 to the cemetery tomorrow.

Wet & Forget Mould, Lichen & Algae Remover​

Outdoor Cleaning

Browse our products including Thrust One Sprayers and Wet & Forget Mould, Lichen and Algae remover for use on interior and exterior surfaces.

www.wetandforget.co.uk

 

[geraldthehamster]

I bought some reconstituted stone window cills, that sat outside for two years before I used them, and went very green. After I'd jet washed them at close quarters, they now look quite old, as the jet wash has knocked the edges off and roughened the surface. So I suggest not doing that