Cleaning grave stones

[videojetman]

Just found my nans old grave, but after years of neglect can hardly read it.
Any ideas on the best thing to clean it with to read the inscription.
Many thanks.
Not sure what kind of stone it's made from but it is grey and a bit porous.

 

[KDM]

Re:

Given its meaning to you, I would probably see if you have any local stone masons who could advise you on how to clean it or see if they could service the stone obviously on site??

 

[half cog]

Whatever you try have a go on the back of it first.A lot of monumental masons have a cleaning service. You can do it on an annual contract with them. If you plead poverty they may even supply you with details of what they use. Try putting the question to google. As said. Keep off the front until you have proven that your method of choice causes no damage.The porosity causes some concern as whatever you use sounds as if it will soak into the stone. We use scotchbright and siff on one of ours but it is a very hard slate.There are special cleaners made for the job but to press we have never needed them.