What I Spent Cleaning My Grandparents' Plot Myself vs the Quote I Got (Real Receipts)

headstone cleanning in Ohio | headstone cleaning in Columbus Ohio

I remember the first time I saw my great-grandparents' headstone after a decade of neglect, it was buried under ivy so thick it looked like a green monster had swallowed the granite. A few years back, my cousin and I spent an afternoon hacking away at the vines with pruners, then scrubbing with dish soap and a stiff brush. Took us three hours. Felt like we’d won a war. But that was just a warm-up.

Fast forward to last spring. My husband and I finally decided to tackle my grandparents’ plot in the old Cedar Hill cemetary — the one my grandmother always called “the pretty corner with the oak tree.” The stone was a simple gray granite slab, maybe 1960s. No big cracks. But the lichen and moss had gone wild. I got a quote from a local monument company: $450. For one plot. I nearly choked on my coffee.

So I did what any stubborn, mildly cheap genealogist would do: I decided to do it myself. And I kept every receipt. Here’s the real breakdown of what I spent versus what they quoted — and what I learned the hard way.

The Professional Quote: What $450 Got Me (and Didn't)

I called three places. Two never called back. The third — a family-owned shop that’s been around since the 1920s — gave me a detailed estimate over email. For $450, they said they’d:

• Use a proprietary cleaning solution (they wouldn’t name it, just said “stone-safe”)
• Soft-brush and rinse by hand
• Apply a biocide treatment to slow regrowth
• Seal the stone with a breathable sealer

Sounds fair, right? But here’s the catch: they only guaranteed the work for six months. And they wouldn’t touch any lettering that was already shallow. “We can’t promise we won’t fade it more,” the guy said. That worried me. My grandmother’s name was already hard to read. Also, they wouldn’t trim the overgrown yew bushes around the base. That was extra.

So $450 was really $450 just for the stone surface. No landscaping. No guarantee on the writing. And I’d have to wait three weeks for an opening. Nope.

My DIY Cost Breakdown: The Receipts Don't Lie

I’m a list person. I saved every receipt. Here’s exactly what I spent:

• D/2 Biological Solution (1 gallon): $34.99 from Amazon. This is the gold standard for headstones — pH-neutral, non-ionic, safe for marble, limestone, sandstone, granite. It kills biological growth (lichen, moss, algae) slowly over weeks, not instantly. Patience required.
• Spray bottle (good quality, not a dollar-store squirt): $8.47
• Soft nylon scrub brush (labeled “headstone safe”): $12.99
• Plastic scraper (for loose lichen, no metal): $4.29
• Garden sprayer (for rinsing, since the cemetery spigot was far): $19.99
• Pruners and loppers (for the overgrown yew): already had, but let’s say $25 if you don’t
• A bucket, old towels, and a kneeling pad: $0 (had them)
• My time: 4.5 hours total, spread over two weekends

Total: $80.73 (or $105.73 if you buy pruners).

That’s about 18% of the professional quote. Big difference.

The Real Work: What Actually Happened (Warts and All)

First weekend: I sprayed the D/2 on the whole stone. Followed the directions — wet the stone first, apply generously, don’t let it dry. Then I waited. The label says resultes in 7-14 days. I checked after one week. Nothing. Felt like a total waste. Almost gave up.

Second weekend: I went back. The moss had turned brown and crispy. The lichen was lifting at the edges. I used the plastic scraper gently — no metal, no wire brush, nothing abrasive. Then I scrubbed with the nylon brush and water. The gunk came off in sheets. Gross but satisfying. Rinsed with the garden sprayer. Took about two hours.

What I didn’t expect: the lettering actually looked clearer after. The D/2 had loosened the crud in the carved letters. I used an old toothbrush (soft bristles) to get into the grooves. My grandmother’s name — “Eleanor May” — popped back out like she was saying hello.

Biggest mistake: I didn’t protect the base with plastic sheeting before spraying. Some D/2 dripped onto the concrete border and left a slight light stain. Not permanent, but annoying. Next time I’ll mask it off.

Pros and Cons: DIY vs Professional (The Honest Truth)

Let me be blunt — this isn’t for everyone. Here’s my real take:

DIY wins if:

• You have a few weekends to spare (the D/2 needs time to work)
• The stone is in decent shape — no cracks, no flaking, no old repairs
• You’re okay with some physical work (kneeling, scrubbing, trimming bushes)
• You want to save $300-400

Professional wins if:

• The stone is fragile (marble, sandstone, old limestone — one wrong move and you’re in trouble)
• You don’t have time or can’t physically do the work
• The lettering is very shallow or painted — pros have specialized tools for that
• You want a guarantee (even if it’s short)

For my grandparents’ granite slab, DIY was the right call. But if it had been my great-great-grandmother’s 1880s marble marker? I’d have hired someone. No question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is D/2 really safe for all headstone types?

A: Yes, D/2 Biological Solution is pH-neutral and non-ionic, so it won’t etch or discolor stone. It’s safe for granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, and slate. I used it on my grandparents’ granite and my neighbor’s marble — no damage. Just don’t let it dry on the stone; keep it wet for the first few hours.

Q: Why did the professional quote $450? Is that typical?

A: For a single plot in a suburban cemetery, $300-500 is pretty standard. That usually includes the cleaning solution, labor, and sometimes a biocide or sealer. But it varies wildly — urban areas or historic cemeteries can be double that. Always ask what’s included: trimming bushes? Cleaning the base? Guarantee on lettering? Those add up.

Q: Can I use a pressure washer to speed things up?

A: Absolutely not. Pressure washers can blast away the stone’s surface, especially on soft stone like marble or sandstone. Even on granite, the high pressure can force water into cracks and cause spalling. Stick to a garden hose with a spray nozzle or a pump sprayer. Slow and gentle wins the race.

Q: What if the lichen doesn’t come off after one D/2 treatment?

A: It happens. Some tough lichen needs a second application after a few weeks. I had a spot on my grandparents’ stone that took three treatments over two months. D/2 is biological — it kills the organisms, then they dry and flake off. Patience is key. Don’t scrub harder; just reapply and wait.

Q: How do I clean the lettering without damaging it?

A: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a small nylon brush. Dip it in clean water (or D/2 solution) and gently scrub the grooves. Never use metal tools or abrasive pads — they’ll scratch the stone and wear down the carved edges. For really stubborn dirt in letters, let the D/2 sit for 15 minutes, then scrub. Works like a charm.