When you have a loved one buried in a cemetery, you can be certain you can maintain the gravesite and keep it looking its best. This is not something that is always easy to do, since grave markers can be delicate. If you are not sure how to maintain the gravesite, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in McSherrystown, PA want you to remember.
You want to gather the right tools to get the job done. You do not want to use anything that is too abrasive, like power-washing equipment or brushes with hard bristles. That can cause all manner of issues on the grave marker’s surface, and you definitely do not want to have to deal with that. Instead, you want to turn to soft brushes and sponges. You also want to be sure the cleaning solution you choose is not harsh like bleach. Stick to water, soap, and mild detergent.
You also want to take some time to assess the grave marker. If you see that it has cracking or flaking or if you see any crumbling, you want to avoid cleaning it because that can make things worse. You also want to look for a stable marker that will not collapse when you start cleaning it. There will be many decisions you will have to make after the death of a loved one and one of these can be the cemetery you choose for their burial. If there are different options in your area, you want to take some time to find out what the best choices are.
If you have a marble grave marker, you want to start cleaning it by wetting it with water. This is because the stone absorbs liquid and you do not want that liquid to be the cleaning solution. You want to see if there is algae or anything else growing on the marker. If there is, then you want to add a bit of ammonia to the water. Only do this if the marker is light in color since ammonia can stain a dark marker.
For a marker made of granite, you want to follow the same process as that made of marble, but you want to avoid using anything but water and detergent. Add an ounce of detergent to five gallons of water to get the results you need. Always rinse the stone after washing it and never try to clean it while it is dry. These are all important things you want to remember so that you can avoid damaging the stone.
These are some important things you want to remember when getting ready to clean a loved one’s grave marker. It can be important to know that the different materials the marker is made of can have an impact on your options, so be sure to keep that in mind. Avoid harsh chemicals and other abrasive equipment to ensure there are no issues. If you want to know more about all of this, you can reach out to a McSherrystown, PA funeral home like us. We are here to answer all of the questions you may have about this and much more so do not hesitate to contact us. Call us right now or visit us today to get started making arrangements for a loved one.
