1776Reporting
In the ever-evolving world of TikTok, a new trend has caught the attention of users—but not without sparking debate. A content creator known as “The Clean Girl” has stirred up mixed reactions with her videos, which show her cleaning gravesites. While some applaud her efforts, others find it deeply offensive.
Why Is a TikToker Cleaning Graves?
The Clean Girl, popular for her videos where she tidies various items like toys and car tires, has shifted her focus to gravestones. Using a homemade pink cleaning solution, she scrubs neglected burial sites, often without any permission from the families of the deceased. This has raised eyebrows, not just for the act itself, but also for the mystery surrounding her cleaning products. Some viewers even question if her pink solution is safe for use on fragile gravestones, especially older ones made from delicate materials like marble.
@_the_clean_girlI Cleaned a Random Grave!♬ original sound – The Clean Girl
@_the_clean_girl I cleanee an abandoned grave at night 👻🪦 #scrubdaddy #scrubdaddypartner ♬ original sound – The Clean Girl
A Divisive Trend
For a section of the internet, The Clean Girl’s grave-cleaning efforts are seen as a noble deed. In their eyes, she’s giving attention to forgotten graves that have fallen into disrepair, some of which may not have been tended to in years. The sight of clean, polished headstones brings comfort to those who believe these resting places deserve respect and care.
However, others view the practice as an invasion. Cleaning a grave without permission from the deceased’s relatives strikes many as disrespectful. As TikToker @hopeyoufindyourdad put it, “Every single one of these woman’s clickbait grave cleaning videos is extremely disrespectful to these graves and their loved ones.” The comment resonates with people who feel that The Clean Girl’s actions cross a line between helpful and harmful.
I've seen people rag on this video but, presentation aside because it's TikTok, this is actually a really sweet thing to do, to clean up old and forgotten graves. The world would be a better place with more people like her. pic.twitter.com/OXmkLj0PHe
— Gravantus (@Gravantus) September 8, 2024
Promotion or Preservation?
One of the harshest criticisms leveled against The Clean Girl is that her videos seem more like promotions for her cleaning product than genuine attempts at preservation. As pointed out by another TikTok user, she appears to be using graves as a platform to advertise her mysterious pink cleaner, which adds a layer of commercialism that many find distasteful.
There’s also concern about the potential damage to the gravestones. On Reddit, users from the Cemetery Porn subreddit noted that she and others are using household cleaning products, which can have adverse effects on certain stones, particularly marble. Over time, these chemicals can erode the material, causing permanent damage to historically significant gravestones.
@ladytaphos Warm weather next week, y’all. Lots of good stuff coming soon! #cemetery #gravestone #beautiful #bluesky #beforeandafter #dirty #cleaning #ladytaphos ♬ original sound – Alicia 🍉 LadyTaphos
@manicpixiemom David’s family was a blast to research! #gravetok #gravestonecleaning #foryou ♬ original sound – Manicpixiemom 🧽🪦
How to Properly Clean Gravestones
If the idea of cleaning graves interests you, there is a correct way to approach it. According to archaeologist Robin Lacy, there are specific methods and products designed for this purpose, and anyone looking to preserve gravesites should follow these guidelines. It’s crucial to do thorough research and use only approved cleaning materials to avoid causing harm.
Organizations like Saving Graves offer resources for people passionate about cemetery preservation. These groups focus on educating the public about the right way to maintain graves and protect these sites for future generations.
@hopeyoufindyourdad @The Clean Girl Grave cleaning is a very sensitive and personal thing. Disrespecting graves for attention is truly awful #gravetok #cemetery #gravecleaning #cleantok #asmr #cleaning #greenscreenvideo #greenscreen ♬ original sound – Andra
A Trend in Need of Reflection
anyways, here's an account of someone who actually respects and preserves gravestones by cleaning them with cleaning solutions that don't damage the stone and doesn't throw white paint on them after to make them look new again https://t.co/Blq9np2ih1 pic.twitter.com/4lahTbv405
— whiskey ⚢ (@critwhiskey) August 28, 2024
As The Clean Girl’s videos continue to gain traction, the discussion surrounding them highlights a broader conversation about respect, preservation, and the ethics of social media trends. While some argue that her actions are well-intentioned, others see them as a reminder of how the quest for likes and views can sometimes blur the lines of decency.
A TikTok featuring a creator cleaning a grave with household cleaning products (& withOUT consent) has garnered millions of views in less than a week.
While it’s wonderful to want to care & preserve these spaces, consent & conservation is critical. @Graveyard_arch pic.twitter.com/GYjCratWUB
— OrderoftheGoodDeath (@OrderGoodDeath) September 5, 2024
In the end, whether grave cleaning becomes a lasting trend or fades away, it’s important to approach such sensitive topics with care and consideration. After all, what may seem like a harmless cleaning project to one person could be deeply personal to another.
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