If you are the person in charge of maintaining a loved one’s gravesite, it can be a good idea to know a bit about how to do this most efficiently. There are many cleaning strategies you can take and which one you choose depends on the kind of marker your loved one has and what it is made of. If that is something that you are worried about, there are some tips that directors of funeral homes in Riverside, IL want you to remember. 

The first thing you want to do is gather the tools you will need to clean the marker. This is something that is important, since not all kinds of cleaning tools are efficient for grave markers. You want to avoid brushes with hard bristles, power-washing equipment, and similar abrasive tools. You want to make sure that the chemicals you choose are also not harsh. Avoid bleach, since that can cause all manner of stains. The best options are detergent, soap, and water. 

You want to assess the marker as well. If you see signs of damage, like crumbling, flaking, cracking, or anything else, you may want to avoid the cleaning altogether. You do not want to undertake maintenance if the marker is not stable. Keep that in mind as you get started. 

If the marker is made of marble, you want to remember to wet it first with water. Because marble is porous, it will absorb the liquid you pour on it, so instead of making the cleaning solution first, use water. Look for algae and other biological growths. If you see any, you can add a bit of ammonia to the water and use that. Be sure to remember to only do this if the marker is light. If it is dark, you want to avoid stains, so use water and soap. 

For a granite marker, you can do the same thing as for a marble marker, but you want to be sure not to use ammonia at all. Ammonia can really damage granite. Instead, use an ounce of detergent in 5 gallons of water. Remember to rinse the marker well once you are done and avoid working on it if it is dry, because that can cause flaking. 

These are some important things you want to remember when getting ready to maintain a grave marker. It is not always a simple thing to know how to do, so it can be important to keep these things in mind. Take the time to consider the type of maintenance tools you will need so that you are prepared for the job. You can always learn more about all of this and more by reaching out to a Riverside, IL funeral home like us. We have years of experience and we are ready to help you with any concerns or questions you may have. You can give us a call right now or you can stop by our location to learn more about everything we can offer.