One of the tasks you may have if a loved one has died is to maintain their gravesite. This is not something that everyone knows how to do. A lot of the process can depend on the kind of marker you have for your loved one, so you want to take some time to consider the best techniques to keep the gravesite looking its best. If you are not sure where to begin, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Cabot, AR want you to remember.
The first thing you want to do is get all of the equipment you will need. You want to avoid anything with hard bristles, and wire brushes, and you definitely want to avoid power-washing equipment. You also want to avoid strong chemicals like bleach, which can stain the marker and make things worse. You want to use a sponge and soft-bristled brushes to manage the grave marker and you will likely use detergent or soap and water.
Before beginning the process of cleaning the marker, you want to remove any debris like leaves from it. You want to also inspect the marker for damage like cracking, crumbling, or flaking. These can let you know that it may be better not to clean the marker to avoid causing more damage. If you see that the market is stable, you can begin to clean it.
For marble markers, you want to completely wet them with water first. You do not want to apply the cleaning solution first because marble is porous and will absorb the liquid it comes across. You want that to be a water first. If you see that there is algae or mold, you can add a tiny bit of ammonia to the water and use a soft brush on the affected parts. If the stone is dark, avoid ammonia and use soap and water to avoid stains.
For granite markers, you want to employ the same process as with marble but you want to completely avoid ammonia. Instead, add an ounce of soft detergent to about five gallons of water and use that. Always rinse the stone completely. Remember not to work on the stone if it is dry, since that can cause all manner of issues.
These are some of the most important tips you want to remember when maintaining the gravesite of a loved one. It can be stressful to have to do this but the good thing is that you only have to worry about cleaning the marker every two years or so. If you are not sure about how to go about this process or if you want to learn more about the upkeep, you can reach out to a Cabot, AR funeral home like us. We have years of experience and we can help you manage all aspects of laying a loved one to rest. You can give us a call right now or you can stop by our location to speak with one of our experts about all of the options we can offer.