How to Clean Stone Statues

Stone statues accumulate biological growth and grime, which are capable of penetrating and discoloring stone statues over time. Regularly washing stone statues removes surface buildup to protect their original beauty. All types of stone statues, including marble and limestone, require the same cleaning techniques.

1. Begin cleaning the stone statue using the least damaging solution first, which is water. Fill a pump sprayer with clean water, and spray the water liberally onto the statue. Thoroughly saturate the statue with water.

2. Scrub the wet statue with a soft, clean brush to detach grime and biological growth. Work up the statue, scrubbing the brush in orbital motions over the stone.

3. Rinse the statue immediately with fresh water to inhibit streaking. Gently spray the statue with a garden hose.

4. Clean the stone statue with a neutral pH detergent solution. In a bucket, thoroughly combine 2 tbsp. of neutral pH detergent per gallon of water.

5. Rinse out the pump sprayer and refill it with the neutral pH detergent solution. Spray the solution onto the stone statue.

6. Scrub the statue with the brush, as previously. Detach any lingering grime remnants from the stone. Focus on detailed portions of the statue, where grime collects.

7. Spray the entire statue gently with fresh water. Thoroughly rinse off the detergent solution to avoid streaks.

8. Let the stone statue air-dry completely.

Warning

Cleaning a stone statue that is already flaking, chipping or deteriorating may damage it further.

Acid-based solutions, including lemon and vinegar, damage stone statues.