At Ohio Headstone Company, we believe a memorial is a lasting tribute that should be preserved for generations to come. While our custom headstones are crafted from the highest quality granite for durability, natural elements can cause them to accumulate dirt, moss, and other growth over time. Proper care is essential to maintaining the beauty and integrity of your loved one's memorial. We're here to offer some tips on how to respectfully care for the monument.
Caring for Your Loved One's Memorial: Long-Term Maintenance Tips
The Right Tools for a Gentle Clean
Cleaning a headstone should always be done with a gentle touch. Start with the simplest method: clean water and a soft, non-metallic brush. We recommend a soft-bristled nylon or natural brush. You can use a mild, pH-neutral soap if needed, but water alone is often effective. Always soak the stone with water first to prevent any cleaners from being absorbed. Use a gentle circular motion to remove dirt, and rinse the memorial thoroughly with clean water to remove all residue.
Know What to Avoid
Just as important as knowing what to use is knowing what to avoid. Never use a power washer, which can cause permanent damage to the stone's surface. Harsh chemicals, including bleach, vinegar, or acidic cleaners, should also be avoided as they can degrade the stone over time. Likewise, avoid using metal brushes or abrasive materials like steel wool, which can leave scratches and rust stains that are impossible to remove.
When to Call for Professional Help
For stubborn stains, deep-seated biological growth, or any signs of structural damage like cracks or chips, a professional monument cleaning service is the best solution. We have the expertise to safely restore a memorial's appearance without causing harm. We use specialized, environmentally safe solutions and techniques that are not available to the general public, ensuring the job is done right and the memorial's integrity is preserved.
Nurturing the Surrounding Area
Caring for a memorial extends beyond the stone itself to the plot around it. Keeping the area free of weeds, overgrown grass, and fallen debris helps the memorial stand out and prevents potential damage. We recommend regular light maintenance, such as trimming grass and tidying up the plot. Planting flowers or small plants can also be a beautiful way to honor your loved one, but be sure to check with cemetery regulations first.
Caring for a loved one's memorial is a meaningful act of remembrance. At Ohio Headstone Company, we are dedicated to helping you preserve these lasting tributes for years to come. By following these simple maintenance tips, you can ensure that the custom headstones in Ohio you've chosen remain a beautiful reflection of a life well-lived. To learn more about our professional cleaning services or to get a quote for a new memorial, contact us today.