How to Clean a Headstone Before Applying Your Our Tributes QR Memorial Plaque (Using Eleven11 Remember Me TKO & Biological Cleaner)
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There’s something sacred about visiting a cemetery. The names, dates, and inscriptions etched into stone represent entire lives—love, family, conviction, and legacy. Yet over time, nature takes its toll. Sprinklers leave hard-water streaks and mineral crusts, while moss, algae, and lichen slowly creep into lettering and corners.
A simple cleaning not only restores beauty and dignity but also ensures the perfect surface for your Our Tributes QR Memorial Plaque to adhere.
After extensive testing, we’ve found the most effective, safe, and easy-to-use headstone cleaning products on the market: Eleven11’s Remember Me Headstone Cleaners—two specialized formulas trusted by funeral professionals for years.
The Two Types of Eleven11 Remember Me Cleaners
Eleven11 has engineered a two-part system because no single cleaner can truly remove both minerals and organic stains safely and effectively; using both ensures a deeper, safer clean on every stone.
1) Remember Me TKO Headstone Cleaner (Hard Water & Mineral Stains)
Tackles white/gray chalky film from sprinklers
Removes calcium/lime buildup, rust stains, and fertilizer residue
Best choice when the surface feels rough or crusty where water dries
Directions (Hard Water Cleaner):
Apply Eleven11 Remember Me TKO headstone cleaner.
Scrub headstone with brush
if needed, gently scrape off hard water and other stians with razor blade (on granite headstones only)
RINSE headstone and area well with water
Repeat if needed
Watch the video here for a visual demonstration:
2) Remember Me Biological Headstone Cleaner (Moss, Algae & Lichen)
Targets green, brown, or black organic staining
Great for slimy, fuzzy, or flaky growth—especially in shaded, damp areas
Helpful as periodic maintenance to keep the stone bright
Directions (Biological Cleaner):
One-Step Process
Mix 32 oz concentrate with water. Makes 1 Gallon.
(3:1 ratio)
Apply the diluted 1111 Remember Me BIO using a low pressure spray or a brush. Walk away. Results will begin to show within a week or two and last for months. Reapply as needed.
- or -
For immediate results simply spray (wait for 15 minutes), brush and rinse. For heavily soiled areas brushing is recommended. Rinse with water, then reapply if needed.
Dilutions
• 1111 Remember Me BIO should be diluted with fresh water before application. Dilution ratios: to remove heavy stains caused by lichen, algae, moss, mold and mildew (1 part product: 3 parts water). To remove light stains (1 part product: 7 parts water). To remove algae from pond or fountain (1 cup per 50 gallons of water) undiluted.
Watch the video here for a visual demonstration:
* Pro tip: Many stones have both hard water and biological stains. Start with TKO to remove mineral crusts, then apply the Biological cleaner for the organic buildup.
Why Cleaning the Headstone Matters
Enhances appearance: Removes hard-water stains, mineral deposits, and organic buildup so inscriptions are easier to read.
Prevents damage: Left alone, both mineral and biological deposits can etch, stain, or discolor stone.
Improves plaque adhesion: A clean, dry surface helps your Our Tributes plaque bond securely for decades.
Stone-safe approach: Both cleaners are acid-free, non-corrosive, and designed for cemetery environments when used as directed.
Why Cleaning First Elevates Your QR Plaque
Visual contrast: Clean stone helps the plaque pop in person and in photos.
Secure adhesion: Residue-free surfaces reduce edge-lift over time.
Respectful presentation: Reflects the care and love behind the memorial.
Bonus: The digital QR code can also be printed for funeral programs, posters, or displays—perfect for services and celebrations of life.
Final Steps:
Visit our product page here to order the TKO and Biological cleaners.
Use the correct product for your type of buildup and follow the steps above.
