Headstone Cleaning at Orem City Cemetery

Utah County's climate is hard on stone. Each winter, moisture works its way into the microscopic pores of granite and marble markers, freezes, expands, and contracts — a repeated cycle that slowly widens surface cracks and drives biological growth deeper into the stone. Over years, lichen and algae establish root-like structures called rhizines that chemically etch the surface as they feed.

Granite and marble respond differently to these conditions. Granite is dense and durable but its natural pores still harbor biological growth that discolors the face and obscures inscriptions. Marble is far more porous and softer — the organic acids produced by lichen and algae actively dissolve marble's surface, causing irreversible etching if biological growth is left untreated for too long.

UV exposure compounds the problem in summer. Utah's high-altitude sun bleaches and dries the surface, making biological staining appear even darker by contrast and baking deposits into the stone's upper layers.

DIY cleaning attempts often cause more harm than good. Household bleach and vinegar are acidic and permanently etch stone surfaces. Wire brushes scratch and pit marker faces. Pressure washers drive water into micro-cracks at pressures the stone wasn't designed to withstand. The only cleaning method endorsed by the National Park Service and leading preservation organizations is D/2 Biological Solution — a professional-grade product designed specifically for stone memorials.

Sacred Stone Co. travels directly to Orem City Cemetery — there is no need to coordinate access with the cemetery office or haul anything. You simply share the name on the marker and the section or plot location, and we take it from there.

Every cleaning begins with a full photographic assessment of the marker before we touch it. We document its current condition, note any pre-existing cracks or damage, and confirm the scope of work. Then we pre-wet the entire surface with clean water to open the stone's pores for treatment.

We apply D/2 Biological Solution and work it gently into the surface using soft natural-bristle brushes — never wire, never synthetic, never pressure. The solution dwells on the stone and breaks down lichen, algae, and biological staining at the root. After thorough rinsing with clean water, we photograph the finished result.

A standard cleaning takes approximately 1–2 hours depending on the stone's condition and size. Within a day or two, you'll receive before-and-after photos by email so you can see exactly what was accomplished — even if you're located hours away.

All services include before-and-after photos delivered to your email inbox.

• Standard Headstone Cleaning — $99 Ideal for lightly to moderately soiled markers. Covers the full stone face, sides, and base using our standard D/2 treatment process.
• Deep Restoration Cleaning — $169 For heavily weathered or neglected stones with significant lichen coverage, deep biological staining, or markers that haven't been cleaned in many years. Includes extended dwell time and additional treatment passes.
• Annual Care Plan — $149/year For families who want year-round maintenance. We visit twice a year — once in spring, once in fall — to keep the marker clean and prevent biological growth from taking hold. The most cost-effective way to maintain a memorial long-term.