What's Actually in My Grave-Cleaning Bucket (A Field Inventory With Photos)

headstone cleanning in Missouri | headstone cleaning in Kansas City Missouri

I’ll never forget my first grave-cleaning mistake, it was 2009, a hot July morning, and I’d just read online that ‘a little bleach and water’ would do the trick. So I filled my bucket, scrubbed a lovely old granite marker, and stood back to admire my work. Three weeks later, that stone looked worse than before—streaky, chalky, with a weird white film I couldn’t rinse off. Took me three tries to get it right. Worth it, but I learned my lesson the hard way.

Now, after fifteen years of volunteering at Oakwood Cemetary, I’ve got my bucket down to a science. No bleach, no wire brushes, no guesswork. Just good, gentle tools that respect the stone and the memory it holds. I’m Margaret, and I want to show you exactly what I carry—every single item, why I chose it, and what I’ve tossed out over the years. This isn’t a generic list from some website. This is my field inventory, tested on hundreds of stones in the Georgia heat and rain. If you’re starting your own grave-cleaning supplies checklist, start here.

The Cleaner: D/2 Biological Solution (The Only One I Trust)

This is the star of my bucket. D/2 Biological Solution is a pH-neutral, non-ionic cleaner that eats biological growth—moss, lichen, algae, soot—without damaging the stone. I buy it by the gallon from a monument supply company online. One gallon lasts me about six months, cleaning maybe 30-40 markers. I pour it into a spray bottle (a cheap one from the hardware store, labeled with a permanent marker) and mist the stone, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub. It smells a little like mild soap, nothing harsh. Big mistake I used to make: thinking any cleaner would do. Nope. Never again. Stick with D/2 or another pH-neutral non-ionic cleaner. Avoid harsh household chemicals like bleach or ammonia—they etch the surface, especially on marble and limestone. I’ve seen stones ruined by well-meaning family members with a bottle of Clorox. Heartbreaking.

Scrub Brushes: Soft Bristles Only, Please

Here’s where I’m picky. I carry three brushes in my bucket: a soft-bristle nylon brush (the kind you use for car detailing—about 4 inches wide), a small soft-bristle toothbrush for lettering and corners, and a long-handled soft scrub brush for kneeling. I get them at the auto parts store or online. The key word is SOFT. No wire brushes, no steel wool, no stiff scrub pads. Those scratch the stone’s surface and let in moisture, which causes flaking and cracking over time. I learned that from a retired stone carver who visited the cemetery one day while I was scrubbing. He gently took the brush out of my hand and said, ‘You’re doing more harm than good, ma’am.’ I switched that afternoon. Now I check my brushes every few months—if the bristles feel rough or bent, I replace them. Cheap insurance for a hundred-year-old marker.

Water: The Unsung Hero (With a Catch)

I carry two gallons of distilled water in my car. Not tap water. I know, it sounds fussy, but here’s why: tap water has minerals that can leave deposits on the stone, especially if you’re cleaning in direct sun and it dries fast. Distilled water leaves nothing behind. I use one gallon for rinsing the stone after cleaning—I pour it slowly from a plastic jug with a narrow spout, or use a spray bottle filled with distilled water for small areas. The second gallon? For mixing my D/2 solution (though I usually spray it straight, undiluted). I also carry a small folding stool and a kneeling pad, because my knees aren’t what they used to be. And a roll of paper towels for blotting—never rubbing. Just dab. That’s it.

The Extras: What I Learned to Bring (and What I Leave Home)

Over the years, I’ve refined my kit. Here’s what’s in my bucket besides the basics: a small plastic scraper (for gently lifting lichen—never scrape with metal), a pair of gardening gloves (to protect my hands from rough edges and the occasional spider), a spray bottle of plain distilled water (for wetting the stone before applying D/2), a soft microfiber cloth (for drying brass plaques—never use anything abrasive on brass), and a notepad and pencil (I record the stone’s location, condition, and date cleaned—helps me track which graves need attention next season). What I leave home: pressure washers (too much force, can chip stone), wire brushes (I already ranted about those), bleach or any harsh household cleaners, and scouring pads. Oh, and I used to bring a big plastic tarp to catch runoff—but it was more trouble than it was worth. Now I just pick a dry day and let the water soak in. The grass loves it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use dish soap instead of D/2 Biological Solution?

A: Short answer: I wouldn’t. Dish soaps are often alkaline and can leave a residue that attracts dirt and biological growth. D/2 is specifically formulated for stone—it’s pH-neutral and non-ionic, meaning it lifts grime without reacting with the stone’s chemistry. If you can’t get D/2, look for another pH-neutral, non-ionic cleaner made for masonry or headstones. But skip the Dawn.

Q: How often should I clean a headstone?

A: Once a year is plenty for most stones, unless you’ve got heavy moss or lichen. I clean the ones I adopt in early spring, before the heat and humidity kick in. More frequent cleaning can wear down the surface, especially on softer stones like marble or sandstone. Let the stone rest.

Q: Is it safe to clean a headstone that’s already cracked or flaking?

A: Be very carefull. If the stone is already crumbling, any cleaning could make it worse. I skip those unless a professional conservator is involved. Instead, I gently brush loose debris with a soft brush and leave the rest alone. Sometimes the kindest thing is to do nothing.

Q: Do I need permission to clean a headstone in a cemetery?

A: Yes, always check with the cemetery office first. Many have rules about what cleaners and tools you can use, and some require you to sign a waiver. I got permission from Oakwood’s superintendent years ago, and I carry a laminated copy of that letter in my bucket. It’s saved me from awkward conversations.

Q: Can I use a pressure washer on a granite headstone?

A: I still wouldn’t. Even granite can chip or have hidden cracks that a pressure washer can widen. And if the stone has any delicate carving or inlays, the force can damage them. Stick with a soft brush and D/2. It takes a little longer, but you’re not in a race.