Cleaning a Grave Marker
If you are the person in charge of maintaining the gravesite of a loved one, it can be crucial to keep in mind that you want to know how to maintain the grave marker. You may not be sure how to do this, and that may be causing you a bit of stress. To make certain that you have an easier time maintaining the marker, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Laguna Woods, CA want you to remember.
You want to assess the stone before anything else. If you see that it has cracking, flaking, or crumbling, avoid cleaning it. You want to be sure that the stone is also stable. If it moves or shifts about, then you do not want to clean if because that can cause all manner of other issues.
Take the time to gather the right tools for the process. You want to avoid anything that is too abrasive, like brushes with hard bristles. Do not use power-washing equipment, because that can cause lots of damage. You want to stick to soap, detergent, and water and not use harsh chemicals like bleach. Bleach can stain the marker and that is not something you want to have to worry about.
If the marker is made of marble, you want to soak it completely with water before doing anything else. This is because marble is porous and will absorb liquids. By using water first, you do not have to worry about the marker absorbing the cleaning solutions you are planning on using. If you see there is algae or other growths on the marble, you can add a bit of ammonia to the water, but only if the stone is light in color. If it is dark, you want to use only soap and water.
For a marker made of granite, you want to soak it in the same way as a marble one. Do remember not to use ammonia since that can damage the granite. If you see stains, you want to add an ounce of a mild detergent to about five gallons of water and use that. Remember to always rinse the stone after you are done. Never attempt to clean a stain or any damage when the stone is dry because that can cause flaking and crumbling.
These are all things that can help you keep a loved one’s grave marker looking beautiful. You do not want to have to stress over damaging the stone and you want to be certain you are using the right tools and cleaning solutions for the marker. If you are not sure about what to use, you can turn to the provider who sold you the marker or you can reach out to a Laguna Woods, CA funeral home like us. We have years of experience and we can ensure you get the quality help you need when laying a loved one to rest. You can give us a call right now or you can visit us today to learn more about everything we can offer.
