However, where a meteorite has spent some considerable time in a dusty environment, the dust can become compacted and difficult to remove, especially if there has been a little rainfall at some stage. It is then a case of having to coax out the ingrained dust with a sharp instrument without damaging the meteorite further. As soon as you are through to the meteorite you should take it out of the liquid and wash it in distilled water, or place it in an alcohol bath for two or three days. The meteorite should then be dried in a warm room preferably above a radiator. Placing it in a box with air vents in the side will allow moisture to escape without much dust settling on the meteorite.
Vegetation can be a real nuisance.
If the growth is simply clinging to the surface of the meteorite then it can usually be removed in the same way as clay or mud. However, some plant life will send roots deep into any fissures and, if left untreated, can crack open the meteorite, or cause considerable internal damage. You can kill off the growth, and its roots, by using a systemic weed killer. After a week or so the plant will die and crumble away. The real problem, however, is that you don't know how much internal damage has been done by either the plant or the weed killer.