Tips for Cleaning a Grave-site

If you are the person who cares for a loved one's grave-site, one of the responsibilities you have is to keep it looking its best. Some cemeteries offer maintenance, but most require relatives to do the upkeep. If that is something that you would like to do but you are not sure how to maintain the grave-site, there are some tips that can help. Here are the things that directors of funeral homes in DeWitt, NY want you to remember.

The first thing you want to take some time to do is to asses the condition of the marker. This can give you an idea of the cleaning strategy you need. If you see that the marker is not sturdy, that it is cracking, flaking, or crumbling, you want to avoid doing anything to it. You will not want to cause any more damage. If you see that the marker is in good shape, you want to start by removing debris like leaves and dirt. This will make it easier to start the cleaning process.

You want to wet the entire marker with clean water. You never want to clean it dry-on-dry, since that can be abrasive. You also do not want to use power-washing tools or brushes with very hard bristles. It is important to be delicate with the grave marker so that you do not stain it or damage it in any way. Remember to also avoid bleach, since that can turn the grave markers brown.

If the marker is made of marble, you want to wet it completely before applying any cleaning solutions. This is because marble is porous and it will absorb liquid. If it absorbs water instead of the cleaning solution, the entire process will be much more effective. If you see that there is algae or other biological growths on the surface of the marble, you can mix in a small amount of ammonia into the water and apply it onto the surface. If the stone is dark, however, you want to stick with soap and water to avoid stains. Be sure to also rinse the marker thoroughly when you are done.

If the marker is made of granite, you want to be even more gentle with it. Use a soft brush and only detergent and water. Put an ounce of detergent in about 5 gallons of water to get the right level and carefully clean the granite. Once you are done, you want to make sure that you rinse the stone and dry it.

Keeping the grave-site clean and maintained is something that is vital and that can honor your loved one. You only have to clean the marker every two years or so, so it is not a huge commitment. It is always a good idea to ask the provider of the marker for some tips on how to maintain it, as well. If you want to know more about this or about any funerary services, you want to reach out to a DeWitt, NY funeral home like us. We are here to help you with the exact kind of arrangements you want. Call us to speak with an expert.