When maintaining a gravesite, you have to be sure you know how to clean the grave marker. This is something that not everyone knows how to do and so it can be vital to get some tips from experts in the field. If you are not sure about how to clean a grave marker, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Walhalla, SC want you to remember.
One of the first things that you have to do is to get the right supplies to start the cleaning process. You want to avoid turning to power-washing equipment or brushes with hard bristles. You want to use sponges and soft brushes to do the cleaning on the marker. Remember to avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, because they can leave stains and that can be a concern. Instead, use soap and detergent to make sure that you can leave the marker clean without leaving any damage.
You want to inspect the marker for signs of damage. If you see that it has crumbling, cracking, or anything else, you want to avoid cleaning it because that can only make the problem worse. You also want to be sure that it is stable.
If the marker is made of marble, you want to begin the entire process by soaking the marker with water. Marble is porous and so it will absorb liquid. You do not want that liquid to be the cleaning solution, so use water first. If you see algae growing on the marker or any other kind of biological growth, you can add a small amount of ammonia to the water and use the sponge. Only do this if the marker is made of light marble. If the marble is dark, use soap and water instead of ammonia so that there are no stains.
For a marker made of granite, you also want to start by wetting it with water. Do not use ammonia, however. If you see a stain, you want to add an ounce of detergent to about five gallons of water and use that, instead. Be sure to rinse the marker to remove any residues and anything else.
These are some tips that can make it easier for you to get your loved one’s grave marker looking its best. You do not want to have to stress over this process, so it can be a good idea to reach out to the provider of the marker, as well, to ask for tips on how to clean it. Experts and funeral home directors can also help. If you are not sure about all of this and you want to be certain you can get the marker looking its best, you can reach out to a Walhalla, SC funeral home like us. We are ready to answer any questions you may have so be sure to reach out to us. Call us now or visit us today to learn more about the services we can offer.