How do I clean lichen from rock?

[Jerry W.]

I am trying to find an easier way to effectively remove green and black lichen from the exterior and crevasses of rock I've collected. Soaking it and using a needle does work, but causes damage to delicate specimens.  Does anyone know of a chemical or technique that truly gets the stuff to let go easily?

[DPS Ammonite]

Use household bleach and water; roughly the same strength as if you were going to bleach your dingy white socks. After the lichen is dead and softened, brush off with a soft/medium nylon brush/ toothbrush.

[Jerry W.]

20 minutes ago, DPS Ammonite said:

Use household bleach and water; roughly the same strength as if you were going to bleach your dingy white socks. After the lichen is dead and softened, brush off with a soft/medium nylon brush/ toothbrush.

I will give it a try.  Should I use the solution and let it dry on the rock, or keep it soaking in the solution until it is dead?  Any idea how long it takes for the lichen to die?

[Herb]

chlorox will kill lichen in minutes

[DPS Ammonite]

45 minutes ago, Jerry W. said:

I will give it a try.  Should I use the solution and let it dry on the rock, or keep it soaking in the solution until it is dead?  Any idea how long it takes for the lichen to die?

Soak the rocks for a few hours or overnight. Pull out and brush off softened lichen. Repeat if not all lichen comes off easily. I soak rocks in clean water before I brush them since bleach can bleach clothes.