Maintaining a grave marker is not always an easy thing to do. It can depend a lot on the type of marker you have for your loved one, as well as the state it is in. If you are worried about this and are not sure about how to offer the kind of maintenance the marker needs, it can help to know a few things. Here are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Columbus, IN want you to keep in mind.

One of the things that you want to remember is that you need to get the proper tools for the job. You want to avoid anything with hard bristles and you do not want to use power-washing equipment. You want to avoid abrasive chemicals like bleach because they can cause all manner of stains and that is a concern. Most of the time, all you will need is soap, water, and a bit of detergent. That is important to keep in mind.

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.

If the marker is made of marble, you want to begin by wetting it with water. Marble is porous and will absorb any liquid, so you do not want the first liquid that touches it to be the cleaning solution or it will absorb that. If you notice there are signs of mold, algae, or any other growths, you want to add a bit of ammonia into the water and use that. You should only do this, however, if the stone is light in color. If it is dark, use soap instead of ammonia to avoid stains.

For a marker that is made of granite, you can begin soaking the stone in the same ways as you would granite but you want to avoid using ammonia. If you see algae, add an ounce of detergent to about five gallons of water. This will help remove the debris and mold. When you are done cleaning remember to rinse the stone thoroughly.

These are some of the tips that can make it easier for you to get the grave marker looking its best. You may want to consult the provider of the marker, as well, to make sure you have a good idea of how to best maintain it. You can also reach out for help from a Columbus, IN funeral home like us to learn more about how to keep the gravesite clean. We have years of experience and we can help you make the exact arrangements that you want for your loved one so do not hesitate to reach out to us. You can give us a call right now or you can stop by our location to speak with one of our experts about this.