If your loved one is buried in a cemetery, you'll want to take care of their gravesite.Ensuring that the gravestone is clean is one of the most important parts of maintaining a grave.If you notice that it is becoming dirty, you should take steps to make it beautiful again.You need to use the right cleaning products for the stone you are washing.
Step 1: Evaluate the need to clean.
The first thing you should do is ask yourself if the stone needs cleaning.People mistake the signs of aging for dirt.Over time, marble and other materials will fade.There is a caution against an aggressive cleaning program.Even if you are gentle, every cleaning can damage the stone.Cleaning the stone is a way to honor a loved one.You can find other ways to honor their memory if the stone isn't cleaned.It is okay to clean the stone if it has been dirtied.Once you start cleaning a stone, you will need to do it on a regular basis.
Step 2: You can buy a non-ionic cleanser.
Time and weather can affect the appearance of a gravestone.If you notice the gravestone is dirty, you will want to clean it.It's important to choose the right products.Chemicals can damage stones.It's a good idea to choose a mild soap.Purchase a cleanser that isn't ionic.The soaps are sold at retailers that sell janitorial supplies.The harsh salts that can damage gravestones are not contained in non-ionic soaps.It's important to read the label to make sure it says "non-ionic".If you are unsure, ask for help from the sales team.
Step 3: You need to gather your supplies.
You are ready to get the rest of your supplies once you have your cleanser.You need clean water.Take a bucket with you if the cemetery has a faucet or hose.If you are unsure if there will be running water nearby, you can purchase gallons of distilled water.If you have a bucket, you can easily dip your supplies into the water.Take some clean cloths with you.You can use old towels or t-shirts.Purchase sponges.Natural sponges will be less likely to damage the stone.You should take non-metallic scrubbing pads and brushes with you.There are a number of different brushes to choose from.
Step 4: If you see damage, check it.
Take a few minutes to assess the stone when you arrive at the gravestone.Look for signs of damage.Take a look at the front, sides, and top of the gravestone.Cracks are a sign of damage.It is possible that the stone is damaged.Clean very cautiously if you see damage.There is damage to the stone.Put no pressure on the weakened areas.It is better to leave dirt than to put stress on the stone.
Step 5: A granite headstone needs to be cleaned.
You are ready to start cleaning when you check out the stone.Follow the directions for your cleanser.It should be mixed with the right amount of water.Put your sponges in the water.Once they are wet, wipe down the surface of the stone.You can use your brushes after removing the first layer of dirt.Use your brushes to scrub the stone.The best place to start is at the bottom of the stone.You can avoid leaving streaks by using this.
Step 6: Remove growth from your body.
There is growth on the gravestone.This is normal since it is exposed to nature's elements.Lichen is very common.Lichen are similar to fungi.They have many different colors, such as grey, green, and yellow.A mixture of ammonia and lichen can be used to remove it.Combine ammonia with water.Use a clean sponge to scrub the area.You should rinse with clean water after you are done.
Step 7: There is a gravestone.
You need to know what type of stone you are dealing with.Different types need different cleaning methods.The treatment of marble needs to be more gentle than that of granite.Clean water is needed to pre-wet the stone.Use a wooden scraper to remove growth.Non-ionic cleanser should be applied.The same method would be used for a granite stone.Approximately every 18 months, repeat this process.The marble can be weakened by cleaning more frequently.Limestone is a popular choice for gravestones.The same method is used to clean limestone.
Step 8: Use the snails.
Natural methods can sometimes be the best way to clean gravestones.Some people use snails to clean their stones.This method is not harmful to the environment.Many of the materials that grow on gravestones are eaten by snails.They will eat mold and fungus.A small tent is needed over the gravestone.Use pieces of wood to keep the stone on the ground.Several snails can be found on the graves.Put them in the enclosure that you made.Make sure to poke a few small holes.After a few hours, check your snails.The stone will be clean if they were hungry.
Step 9: It's a good idea to have an expert help you.
It is a good idea to talk to an expert if you have concerns about the gravestone.An expert can tell you the age of your stone.He will be able to identify the material.Ask the cemetery if they can recommend someone you can talk to.They know a lot about gravestones.You can reach out to the museum.The staff can recommend someone.Ask about the proper cleaning method for your stone.
Step 10: Choose wisely.
There are many choices when you have to bury a loved one.It's important to pick the right stone.Think about the stone that is right for the situation.Pick the type of marker you want.You can find markers that are upright, flat, or obelisk.Pick your material.Markers can be found in marble, sandstone, and granite.Granite is very strong.You can talk to the cemetery.Before you make a purchase, check the regulations for size and type of marker.There are guidelines you need to follow.
Step 11: It's important to keep a record.
Gravestones don't need regular cleaning.Don't resist the urge to clean the stone.You should clean the stone for at least 18 months.Some will need less frequent cleanings.You should write down the date when you clean the stone.You will be able to prevent over-cleaning.Discuss maintenance plans with the cemetery.Service plans may be offered by some sites.The cleaning will be taken care of by them.
Step 12: The area should be decorated.
There are other ways that you can honor your loved one.The gravesite should be decorated.It can help you feel connected to the departed.There are flowers near the headstone.It's nice to do this on holidays and anniversaries.Small items can be left at the burial site.A baseball for a sports fan.The cemetery has a list of regulations.Some materials can't be left behind.