How to Clean a Grave-site

funeral homes in Rochester, PA

Having a loved one buried in a cemetery sometimes means having to take care of the grave-site yourself. If the cemetery does not provide this kind of service or you prefer to do it yourself, you want to know how to best do so. To help you manage this, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Rochester, PA want you to remember so that you can leave the site looking like new.

 

The first thing you want to do is assess the grave-site. Look at the state of the marker. If you see that it is fragile, that there are chips or cracks or that pieces are crumbling, you need to be very careful in how you clean it. You do not want to use hard-bristled brushes, which can cause more damage, and you definitely do not want to use power-washing tools or anything that can scrape at the material of the marker. Do not use bleach, either, since that can cause brown stains over time.

 

If you have a marble headstone, you want to wet the headstone thoroughly with clean water. This is because they tend to be very porous, and so they will absorb any cleaning solutions before they get a chance to work. By using water first, the stone will absorb the water. If you see mold, algae, or any other kind of growth, you want to dilute a bit of ammonia into water. If the stone is darker, then use water and soap. Apply it with a brush on an area that is inconspicuous so that you can see if the results are what you want. You then want to rinse the grave marker. You will want to do this every two years or so.

 

funeral homes in Rochester, PA

If the grave marker is made of granite, you want to begin as you would with a marble one but instead of using ammonia, use cleaning detergent that is made for delicate items. Mix just one ounce into 5 gallons. You want to use a soft brush to apply the solution. With a soft-bristle brush, you want to gently scrub away dirt and debris. If you see cracks or flakes, avoid that area because scrubbing it can make it worse.

 

These are some of the things that you want to remember when getting ready to clean a grave-site. You want to remove all debris, like leaves, as well, so that they do not rot on the headstone or other marker. Some materials can be washed with regular soap while others require only certain kinds of detergents. If you are not sure about the care the marker needs, be sure to consult with experts. You can reach out to a Rochester, PA funeral home like us. We can guide you through any questions you may have about laying a loved one to rest. Give us a call right now or visit us today to speak with an expert and learn more about the services we can offer.

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