Simple Green vs D/2 on a Granite Marker: My Take

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I’ll be honest — I didn’t start out as an expert. My first headstone cleaning was my grandfather’s granite marker in a little cemetary outside of Richmond. I showed up with a bucket, a stiff brush, and a bottle of Simple Green I grabbed from the garage. Took me three tries. Worth it. But I also learned the hard way that not all cleaners are created equal.

Fast forward a few years, and I’ve cleaned maybe 200 stones. Granite, marble, sandstone — you name it. And the question I get most often from folks on this site is: "David, should I use Simple Green or D/2 on a granite marker?" So here’s my take. No fluff. Just what I’ve seen with my own hands.

Simple Green: The Everyday All-Purpose Cleaner

Simple Green is a degreaser and general cleaner. It’s cheap, easy to find at any hardware store, and it works fine for light dirt and grime on granite. I’ve used it on a few granite markers that just had surface dust or pollen stains. You mix it with water — about 1:10 ratio — and scrub gently with a soft nylon brush. Rinse well.

But here’s the thing: Simple Green is not designed for biological growth. Lichen, moss, black soot from air pollution? It struggles. I tried it once on a 1920s granite marker covered in lichen. I scrubbed for 20 minutes. Got maybe 30% off. Big mistake to think it would handle that. Also, Simple Green can leave a residue if you don’t rinse thoroughly. That residue can trap dirt later. Not a disaster on granite, but not ideal.

D/2 Biological Solution: The Headstone Specialist

D/2 is a different beast. It’s a non-ionic, pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for stone. I first heard about it from a preservation group in Virginia. They swore by it. So I tried it on that same lichen-covered granite marker. Spray it on, wait 10-15 minutes, scrub gently, rinse. The lichen came off like butter. Took maybe half the effort.

What makes D/2 special is that it kills biological growth at the spore level. It doesn’t just wash it off — it prevents regrowth for months. I’ve seen a granite marker I cleaned with D/2 stay clean for over a year. Simple Green? I’d be back in six weeks. D/2 is pricier — about $30 a quart — but you use it straight, no mixing. And it’s safe for marble and limestone too, though that’s another story.

Side-by-Side: My Granite Marker Test

Last spring, I did a little test. Two granite markers from the 1800s, same cemetery, similiar lichen and soot. One got Simple Green (mixed 1:10, scrubbed 10 minutes). The other got D/2 (sprayed, waited 15 minutes, scrubbed 5 minutes).

Resultes: The Simple Green marker looked cleaner but still had faint dark spots where lichen roots had been. The D/2 marker was nearly pristine. No spots. And six months later, the D/2 marker still looked good. The Simple Green one had a thin layer of green starting to come back. Not a scientific study, but I’ve seen it repeat enough to trust D/2 for serious cleaning.

Cost difference? Simple Green is maybe $8 a bottle. D/2 is $30. But for a single granite marker, a quart of D/2 will last you 5-10 cleanings. If you’re doing one stone, Simple Green might save you a few bucks. If you care about results, spend the extra.

When I’d Pick Simple Green (and When I Wouldn’t)

Simple Green is fine for light maintenance cleaning on granite. Say you’ve got a modern granite marker that just has mud splatters or bird droppings. Go ahead. It’s cheap and easy.

But if you’re dealing with anything biological — moss, lichen, algae — or if the stone hasn’t been cleaned in decades, skip Simple Green. You’ll work twice as hard for half the result. Also, never use Simple Green on marble or limestone. It’s too alkaline and can etch the surface. Stick to granite only.

And for the love of all things old, avoid harsh household chemicals or abrasive tools. I’ve seen people use wire brushes on granite. Never again. Just don’t.

My Bottom Line Recommendation

For a granite marker, if you’re cleaning it once and want it to last, get D/2. It’s the right tool for the job. Simple Green is like using a dish sponge on a cast-iron pan — it works in a pinch, but it’s not what the pros use.

If budget is tight and the stone is just dusty, Simple Green is okay. But I’d rather spend $30 once and not have to re-clean next year. That’s my two cents. Your mileage may vary, but I’ve got the photos to back it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Simple Green on a granite headstone that has lichen?

A: You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Simple Green isn’t designed to kill biological growth. You’ll scrub alot and still see leftover stains. D/2 is much better for lichen — it actually kills the roots.

Q: Is D/2 safe for all types of stone, or just granite?

A: D/2 is safe for granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, and even slate. It’s pH-neutral and non-ionic, so it won’t etch or damage the stone. I’ve used it on marble with no issues. Just avoid pressure washing after applying.

Q: How much D/2 do I need for one granite marker?

A: A quart bottle covers about 100-150 square feet. A typical single grave marker is maybe 10-20 square feet. So one quart will do 5-10 stones easily. You spray it on straight — no diluting.

Q: Can I mix Simple Green with water for granite?

A: Yes, I mix it about 1 part Simple Green to 10 parts water. But test it on a small hidden spot first. And rinse thoroughly — leftover residue can attract dirt. Don’t use it on marble or limestone.

Q: Which is cheaper in the long run: Simple Green or D/2?

A: Simple Green is cheaper upfront — maybe $8 a bottle. But you might need to re-clean sooner if there’s biological growth. D/2 costs $30 but lasts longer and prevents regrowth. For one stone, Simple Green is cheaper. For multiple stones or serious lichen, D/2 saves time and money.