How to Clean a Grave Marker

It can be vital to maintain a loved one’s gravesite in the right manner. Some people think that just wiping the grave marker with any cleaning solution will do the job, but that is not the case. There are different options you can choose depending on the kind of marker that your loved one has, but if you are not sure about this, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Ogden, UT want you to remember.

Step 1: Assess the state of the marker

One of the things that you need to do before beginning the process of cleaning a grave marker is assess in what state it is. You need to be certain there are not cracks, crumbling, or flaking that you will have to worry about. It can be vital that you consider whether the marker is stable, as well. This can help you plan how much cleaning you can do and what you can use to get it done.

Step 2: Gather the right tools 

You want to gather the right tools, as well. Avoid using power-washing equipment, since that can be too abrasive, and choose only sponges and brushes with soft bristles. This is something that you definitely want to remember so that you do not damage the marker. For chemical solutions, you want to avoid anything too harsh, like bleach. Bleach can leave lots of stains and can wear down the material the marker is made of, so use only soap and water or detergent.

Step 3: Get ready for the cleaning process

When getting ready to clean a marble marker, you want to begin by wetting it with water. Marble is a porous surface and that means it will absorb the first liquid it can. If you use the cleaning solution first, it will absorb it without doing the work you need it to do. You want to also look for signs of algae or mold growth. If you see any, you can add a bit of ammonia to the water. It is something that you want to do fi the grave marker is light in color and not dark. If it is dark, it can stain, so use a bit of soap and water instead.

For a marker made of granite, you want to begin in the same way you would marble. You want to wet it with water before using any cleaning solutions. Avoid adding any ammonia and instead use mild detergent to remove any stains you see. Be sure that you rinse the marker, too.

These are all things that you want remember when getting ready to clean a grave marker. If you are not sure about how to begin or if you want to know more, you can reach out to an Ogden, UT funeral home like us. We are here to answer all of the questions you may have about this and much more. You can get started making arrangements by giving us a call or visiting it us at our location to speak with one of our experts about your funerary needs.