PROJECT 01 - Stone Cleaning
Gravestones need special care to ensure they last. When cleaning a stone, you need to use a special cleaner called D/2, which was created for cleaning monuments. It will not damage the stone and will continue to work at a molecular level. Many stones in the Burying Ground are hard, if not impossible, to read, due to dirt, moss, and age. Cleaning the stones will make an incredible difference and will help us ensure that they are in the proper places.
Want to see what a cleaning day looks like?
Check out the blog posts!
D/2 Biological Solution
D/2 is a biodegradeable liquid that that removes stains from mold, algae, mildew, lichens and air pollutants. It is effective on marble, granite, limestone, brownstone, travertine, masonry, terra cotta, concrete, stucco, wood, and other architectural surfaces including monuments, sculpture and headstones. D/2 is the only product approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Park Service to help protect monuments and gravestones like those at Arlington National Cemetery. It can be used at full strength or diluted as much as 1:4.
How to Properly Clean a Gravestone
The first rule of conservation: Do No Harm.
Before doing any cleaning or work in a cemetery, be sure you have permission from the cemetery owners and/or the family whose stones you are working on. Here are step by step instructions for properly cleaning gravestones and monuments:
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BEFORE YOU START ANYTHING: evaluate the stone. If it is cracking or flaking, do not do anything that will damage it further.
1. Spray it first with water, covering the whole surface. This reduces surface tension so the cleaner can cover the entire surface area of the stone.
2. If there is a lot of moss on the stone, use a plastic scraper to clear off the first layer.
3. Spray it lightly with D/2 Biological Solution. This is the only researched and approved stone cleaner for conservation. Let the stone set at least 10 minutes. It's best to work in batches, you can spray 4-5 stones in a row, then go back to clean them one by one.
4. If during this time the stone has dried, respray it with water when you are ready to clean.
5. Now the fun begins! Use plastic scrapers, wooden tools, and/or plastic brushes to remove any dirt, lichen, and/or moss that is on the stone. Typically going in a circular motion works best. You may need to spritz it with water while cleaning. You can usually get a nice coating of foam. Be gentle, you do not want to scrub hard.
5. After cleaning it the first time, feel free to rinse it off. And if you are still seeing debris, continue cleaning. You can add a little more D/2 if necessary but often the first spray will be enough.
6. Once you are satisfied with the surface cleaning, reapply another light coating of D/2 and move one to your next stone. The D/2 shouldn't be flowing in rivers off the stone onto the ground, it only takes a very light coating.
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IMPORTANT NOTES:
NEVER EVER lean on the stone. Don't even put your other hand on it while you are cleaning. Keep your other hand in your pocket or behind your back if you have to. Gravestones can be very fragile. They can break or crack unexpectedly.
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As you clean, you may notice the stone looks discolored, they often have a yellowish brown tint. Don't worry, over time D/2 will do its work and the stone will look amazing!
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It's ok if you don't get it all. The D/2 will continue to work over time.
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NEVER EVER use a pressure washer on a gravestone.
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Click on the link to watch a helpful video
to see stone cleaning in action.
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NOTE: It is important to check the weather before cleaning stones. The stones should not be exposed to water (rain) for at least 24 hours. Also, D/2 cannot be applied until after the chance of frost has passed in the spring.
Cleaning Supplies
Here is a list of cleaning supplies you will need to properly clean gravestones. We will provide the D/2 and will have some supplies but please bring whatever you can.
You will get very dirty. It's worth it.
A Bucket
Helpful to fill with water so you can dip your brush in it while you're cleaning, Also storage!
Plastic Scrapers
You can use paint scrapers to help clean up lichen and moss. Plastic only, no metal!
Water to Drink
It's important to stay hydrated! And if you run out of rinsing water, you've got a backup.
Bug Spray
There's often long grass in old cemeteries. Plus, you're outside!
Spray Bottle
Needed for applying D/2. A lawn chemical sprayer is very efficient if you have a lot to do.
Wooden Tools
Skewers and/or popsicle sticks can be very helpful for engravings.
Water for Cleaning
You will need a LOT of water to rinse off the stones. Never use a pressure washer, however.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin! Remember
to check your SPF and reapply as needed.
Brushes
Use soft nylon or natural brushes only, Never use stiff or metal brushes to clean a stone.
Toothbrushes
These are fantastic for cleaning words. It's ok to use a firmware toothbrush for this.
Work Gloves
You will get super dirty. Gloves are a great idea to protect your hands, if you like.
Patience
D/2 works over time. You will notice improvement over time, especially after it rains.
And don't forget to bring snacks
to keep your energy up!
Some "Before and After" Samples
June 2023
Before cleaning with D/2
August 2023
June 2023
Before cleaning with D/2
August 2023
