Can I pressure wash a headstone?

Can I pressure wash a headstone?

No — pressure washing headstones is strongly discouraged by cemetery preservation experts and the National Cemetery Administration, which explicitly advises against power washing government-furnished headstones and markers. Many headstones, especially older ones, are more fragile than they appear; high-pressure water can erode inscriptions, force moisture into hairline cracks, and accelerate long-term deterioration, particularly on marble, limestone, and sandstone. The recommended approach instead is a gentle rinse with plain water, followed by a specialized biological cleaner applied with a soft natural-bristle brush — never a hard or metal brush, and never bleach or acidic cleaners. If a stone sounds hollow when tapped, or shows visible flaking, stop entirely and consult a professional conservator, since the goal of headstone cleaning is to preserve the stone, not make it look brand new.