​D2 vs. Wet & Forget: A Pro's Guide to Choosing Your Headstone Cleaner

Hey everyone, it's Angie from Eternal Care Stone Services, and I wanted to talk to you about a question I get asked all the time: "Which product should I use to clean a headstone?"

​I know the struggle. You're walking through a cemetery, and a loved one's memorial is looking a little worse for wear. You want to do the right thing, but you're faced with a sea of options. Two names pop up more than any others in online forums and product reviews: D2 Biological Solution and Wet & Forget.

​From my professional point of view, these aren't just two products; they're two completely different approaches to headstone care. Let's break down the key differences so you can make an informed decision for your family's memorial.

​D2 Biological Solution: The Professional's Choice

​When a client calls me to restore a historic monument or a delicate marble headstone, D2 is my go-to product. It's the industry standard for a reason. D2 is a pH-neutral, water-based solution specifically designed for cleaning and maintaining historic monuments. It's the product endorsed by the National Cemetery Administration and used by professionals in the field of historic preservation.

​Why I Use It:

​It's Fast and Effective: Unlike cleaners that rely solely on time and rain, D2 is designed for an active cleaning process. I apply it, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then use a soft nylon or natural bristle brush to gently scrub away the biological growth. You see an immediate difference, and the stone continues to improve as the product works with the elements over the next few weeks.

​It's Safe for All Stone Types: This is the most crucial point for me as a professional. D2 won't damage the stone. It doesn't contain acids, salts, or other harsh chemicals that can etch, corrode, or cause spalling (flaking). This is especially critical for older, more porous stones like marble, limestone, and sandstone. I can use it with confidence knowing I'm preserving the integrity of the memorial for generations to come.

​Long-Lasting Results: D2 isn't just a quick fix. It helps to prevent future biological growth. A single professional cleaning with D2 can keep a headstone looking great for a year or more, and a simple reapplication can maintain its pristine condition.

​Wet & Forget: The "Do It Yourself" Option

​Wet & Forget has gained a lot of popularity for its simplicity. You just spray it on and, as the name suggests, "forget it." It’s a biocidal cleaner that works over time with rainfall to slowly wash away mold, mildew, algae, and lichen. For a homeowner cleaning a driveway or a deck, it's a convenient option.

​The Pros and Cons from a Pro's Perspective:

​Convenience: The biggest appeal of Wet & Forget is that it requires no scrubbing. For someone with mobility issues or a tight schedule, this is a huge benefit. You can apply it and let Mother Nature do the rest.

​Slow Results: This is a major drawback. You're not going to see immediate results. Depending on the level of soiling and the weather, it can take weeks or even months to see a noticeable difference, especially with stubborn black mold and lichens.

​Potential for Long-Term Damage: This is my primary concern with using Wet & Forget on headstones. The active ingredient, benzalkonium chloride, is a type of quaternary ammonium compound. While it's effective at killing biological growth, it can also leave behind residues. Over time, these residues can potentially contribute to salt crystallization within the stone's pores, which can lead to spalling and degradation. While many have used it with no issues, the risk is not one I'm willing to take on a professional job, especially with older, irreplaceable monuments.

​My Professional Recommendation

​If you're asking me, as a headstone cleaning professional, what product to use for your loved one's memorial, my answer is simple: D2 Biological Solution.

​It is the safest, most effective, and most widely respected product in the industry. It gives you the satisfaction of seeing immediate, beautiful results, and the peace of mind that you are doing what's best for the long-term preservation of the stone.

​If you are just looking for a quick and easy solution, and are willing to accept the slower results and the potential long-term risks, Wet & Forget is an option. However, if you want a professional-level clean that honors the memory and integrity of the memorial, D2 is the only choice I recommend.

​And of course, if you're not comfortable doing the work yourself or have a monument that requires specialized care, don't hesitate to reach out to a professional headstone cleaner in your area. We're here to help you preserve these beautiful pieces of history for future generations.

​— Angie Moore