ACPA - Alabama Cemetery Restoration

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Cleaning Stones - Part 3

(1)

Thoroughly wet the stone with running water from a hose. This, of course, isn't necessary if this step follows basic water cleaning since the stone will ready be wet.

D/2 Architectural Antimicrobial is a proprietary combination of octyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, oioctyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, oidecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, and alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride with surfactants, wetting agents, and buffers. It has a pH of 9.5. It is noncombustible. There are no specific hazards in handling either the concentrate or diluted solutions. You should avoid splashing the liquid in your eyes. Ask the supplier for a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for additional safety information.

(2)

Heavy growth should be cleaned with undiluted D/2. For lighter deposits D/2 can be diluted with potable water from 1:1 to 1:4 parts water by volume.

(3)

The D/2 can be applied to the stone using a brush, roller, or pump sprayer. Scrub the surface thoroughly with a soft-bristle brush and allow the D/2 to remain on the surface of the stone for 1 to 2 minutes (up to 10 minutes for optimal action when there is heavy growth). Then apply additional D/2 to maintain a wet surface. Lightly mist with water and continue light scrubbing. Complete cleaning may require multiple applications.

(4)

If at any time you feel that the stone you are working on is unstable - it flakes, spalls, or sugars (produces lots of grit) - STOP IMMEDIATELY and get assistance.

(5)

When the stone is clean, rinse it thoroughly with water. This means allowing water to run over the stone for at least an additional five minutes - about the time it will take you to locate the next stone to be cleaned and get set up.

(6)

Never undertake cleaning is freezing temperatures are anticipated within the next 24 hours.

What NEVER to do to Stone

There are some cleaning approaches that should NEVER be used on cemetery markers.

Use of bleach. Sodium hypochlorite (common bleach) contains salts that damage stone. Stone "cleaned" with bleach, upon careful inspection, reveals erosion and yellowing.

Use of acid cleaning. Acids on marble and limestone dissolve the stone, leaving an inappropriate glossy and crystallized looking surface. This damage cannot be undone and the use of acids is also dangerous to you and surrounding vegetation.

Use of sand blasting. This approach (even if "soft" materials like glass spheres are used) is very harsh and will dramatically abrade the stone surface. This has the potential to actually accelerate further deterioration of the stone.

Use of high pressure water. Water pressure over 40-50 psi has the potential to significantly damage any stone that isn't sound, increasing spalling and accelerating sugaring.

Recarving inscriptions. While not actually a cleaning technique, this is sometimes done to "improve" the readability of faint inscriptions. But it does irreparable damage to historic stones, destroying their original artistry and beauty -- and destroying the historic significance of the stone itself. There are other approaches if a family wants to ensure that the grave continues to be clearly marked, such as setting a new stone horizontal on the ground (such as the example to the right).

Sources for Products

Vulpex Liquid Soap Forbes Place, Springfield, VA 22151 800-634-6932

University Products, 517 Main Street, PO Box 101, Holyoke, MA 01041 800-628-1912

D/2 Architectural Antimicrobial Cathedral Stone Products, Inc., 7266 Park Circle Drive, Hanover, MD 21076 800-684-0901

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