Here are two tips for those who have recently had grave monuments added to their loved ones' graves and want to learn how to take care of them.
They should be quick to tackle any moss or lichen they find growing on the monument
Due to their outdoor location, grave monuments are susceptible to damage caused by moss and lichens. When these plants begin to grow on a monument, the person responsible for taking care of that monument should try to remove them as quickly as possible. These plants may stain the monument (especially if it's made of a porous material like marble). If staining occurs, those taking care of this monument might then have to scrub it and use harsh cleaning products to remove the stains. This could then result in any engraved letters or designs on the monument getting scratched, to the point where its text or designs might eventually become illegible. If this happens, the person taking care of this grave might have to order a replacement monument from a funeral home.
As such, given how much of an investment a grave monument is and how much work goes into producing it, anyone who wants to avoid having to replace this valuable piece of stonework should act quickly if they spot moss or lichen growing on it. The easiest way to do this is to saturate the affected areas with water (to soften the moss and lichen, and make them easier to remove without scrubbing) and then use a soft cloth or gloved hands to gently remove the plants.
They should purchase some cleaning tools for taking care of the monument
Those with grave monuments to take care of should also get a few cleaning tools to make this task easier for themselves. For example, it might be helpful to purchase some soft-bristled paintbrushes or extra-soft toothbrushes, so they can easily wipe dust and dirt from the monument's engraved lettering, as well as any crevices that may be a part of its structural design. Funeral home staff will often advise their clients who've ordered monuments to get soft-bristled brushes, as this will prevent the cleaning tools from scratching the monuments, even if they're made of materials that aren't very durable.
Additionally, it might be a good idea to get soft cloths that can be used to wipe the dust off the monument's largest surfaces. It's best if these cloths are lint-free; this is particularly important when cleaning monuments made of, for example, polished granite, as bits of lint will be very easy to see on the reflective surface of this type of monument.
For more information about caring for grave monuments, contact a professional.
