The Gold Standard of Historic Preservation
If you've ever seen photos of the pristine, brilliant white headstones at Arlington National Cemetery, you've witnessed the power of D/2 Biological Solution. In the world of historic preservation, D/2 is recognized as the ultimate standard for cleaning stone, brick, and concrete. But what exactly makes this solution so special, and why does Sacred Ground Care refuse to use anything else?
A Gentle, Chemistry-First Formula
For decades, well-meaning volunteers and municipal cemetery crews cleaned grave markers using household bleach, muriatic acid, or abrasive cleaners. While these products produced fast initial results, they introduced highly destructive soluble salts and harsh chemicals that permanently damaged the stones. Acid eats away the surface of marble, and bleach causes stone to crumble over time.
D/2 Biological Solution was developed specifically to solve this problem. It is a highly effective, biodegradable, and completely pH-neutral liquid. It contains no bleach, salts, or acids. Instead, it uses a specialized surfactant that breaks down the cellular walls of biological organisms—like algae, lichen, mold, and mildew—without reacting chemically with the stone itself.
Why the U.S. National Cemetery System Trusts D/2
In 2011, the National Cemetery Administration completed an exhaustive study to evaluate different cleaning methods for the headstones of America's fallen heroes. The research concluded that D/2 Biological Solution was the safest, most effective, and longest-lasting option available. It didn't just clean the surface; it penetrated deep into the stone to kill the biological roots, significantly delaying regrowth.
The Long-Term Cleaning Effect
One of the most fascinating aspects of D/2 is that it keeps working long after the initial cleaning is complete. When we treat a stone in Northern Indiana, we scrub away the surface lichen and moss on the spot. We then apply a final mist of D/2 and leave it to dry. Over the following 3 to 6 months, every rainfall re-activates the D/2 deep inside the pores, slowly lifting out old grey and black stains. The stone actually becomes cleaner, brighter, and more radiant with time.
Need Help Caring For a Resting Place?
If your loved one rests in Northern Indiana and you cannot be there to care for their stone, let us guide you. Sacred Ground Care specializes in safe, chemical-free-feeling biological restoration and ongoing seasonal maintenance. We deliver same-day high-resolution photos so you can see the beauty restored from wherever you are.