The Mora Poultice

An interesting system of cleaning limestone and marble on a chelating agent was

developed by Mora. The chelating agent is ethylene diamonotetraacetic acid
(EDTA). This weak acid facilitates the dissolution of calcium salts by complex
formation. Complexing or sequestering agents separate or are cut off. The Mora
poultice has been used with considerable success on marble and travertine
which have had moderate soiling. The poultice contains 60 g ammonium
bicarbonate, 60 g sodium bicarbonate, 25 g EDTA, 10 g surfactant disinfectant
and 60 g carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in 1000 ml of water. The ammonium
and sodium bicarbonate give a slightly basic mixture of pH 7.5 and facilitate the
dissolution of some salts.
The poultice, in the form of a clear jelly, is applied to a pre-wetted surface
by spatula or by brush to a thickness of 3-4 mm, and is covered at once with a
thin polyethylene film to prevent drying out. The film is of utmost importance as
the cellulose body of the poultice is very difficult to remove if it dries and hardens.
The contact period may be twenty-four hours, and intermediate lifting and
reapplication may be necessary. After cleaning and removal of all poultice
material by the use of small rowels or spatulas the surface should be washed
thoroughly with clean water.
The advantages and attractions of this system are principally that it is safe
chemically and avoids any excessive use of abrasion or water. It cannot,
however, be applied to friable or flaking surfaces (any more than any other
poultice) without removing surface material. Surprisingly, large areas can be
cleaned relatively economical when the surface is not too detailed.
Source:
Cleaning masonry buildings
John Ashurst
In Conservation of Building and decorative Stone
Eds. John Ashurst and Francis G. Dimes
Butterworth Heinemann Great Britain
1999
P. 134