Headstone Cleaning Kit: What to Bring

Having a ready-made kit makes it easy to tidy a grave whenever you visit. Everything fits in a small tote or bucket — and the right supplies protect the stone as well as cleaning it.

The essentials

• Water — two or three litres; distilled is best on black granite.
• Soft natural or nylon brushes — a large one and a toothbrush for lettering.
• pH-neutral stone cleaner or a biological cleaner made for memorials.
• Microfibre cloths for drying and polishing.
• A spray bottle for wetting the stone.
• Plastic or wooden scraper for bird droppings.

Garden extras

• Hand shears or edging scissors for grass around the base.
• Small trowel for a planter.
• Gloves and a kneeling pad.
• Bin bag for old flowers and debris.

See how to edge around a flat grave marker.

Leave at home

• Bleach, vinegar and household cleaners.
• Wire brushes and steel wool.
• Pressure washers.
• Metal scrapers and knives.

See cleaners never to use on a headstone.

Storage tip

Keep the kit in the car boot or by the door so it's ready for every visit. Replace brushes when the bristles wear, and check cleaner expiry dates once a year.

Key Takeaways

• Water, soft brushes, stone-safe cleaner and microfibre cloths are essential.
• Add shears, gloves and a kneeling pad.
• Leave bleach, acids and wire brushes at home.
• Keep the kit ready in the car.

Next Step

See how to clean a granite headstone and what to bring when visiting a grave.