When it comes to your loved one's headstone and burial site, you may find that performing routine cleaning and maintenance can help you to feel closer to the person you have lost. Use this guide to help keep the gravesite looking beautiful as a tribute to your loved one.
Cleaning The Headstone
When cleaning the headstone, you'll want to avoid harsh chemicals and scouring brushes. Instead, use water to gently rinse the marker, and pat it dry with a soft cloth. You can also use a simple solution of dish soap and warm water for any stains you might find. For mold growth, use a mold removal product to clean and wipe it away. You can purchase bottles of headstone cleaner online for this purpose as well. If the headstone has a metal plate, avoid scrubbing it to remove rust, as this might also damage the inscription on the stone.
Weeding And Watering
Some cemeteries provide perpetual care, which includes watering, weeding, and other treatments for the ground surrounding the headstone. However, in older cemeteries or those in rural areas, this care might not be sufficient to meet your expectations. You can visit the site regularly to remove weeds as they grow and to water the grass. Bring a gardening pad to provide comfort as you remove the weeds, and bring a small watering can to sprinkle water on the grass. If you plan on using chemical treatments to prevent weeds from growing, be sure to ask the cemetery's management first, as it may have regulations about what can be used.
Decorating
Some people find comfort in decorating headstones and grave sites throughout the year. Ask the cemetery about any restrictions on decorations before you purchase any items. Consider placing a small vase or flower pot in the earth in front of the headstone to hold fresh flowers, and thing of other decorations you can use to personalize the space. For example, glass bubble stakes or wind spinners can sit in the ground next to the headstone for a beautiful finishing touch. During the holidays, adding a small Christmas tree or wreath can bring a beautiful look to the gravesite. If you are a frequent visitor to the cemetery and you see any plots that go uncared for, you may also want consider tending to them as a way to respect those buried around your loved one. Of course, you'll want to ask the cemetery in advance so you don't cause any undue stress to the loved ones of those buried around your relative.
Share26 April 2017
Hi everyone, my name is Sari Blakenship. My first time visiting a funeral home was an extremely comforting experience. Although I was blindsided by the death of my loved one, the funeral director helped me through the planning process without taking advantage of my grief. I was allowed to work at my own pace to cope with the grief in a healthy way. I was never rushed or pressured, despite the necessary timeline. Whenever I couldn't move forward, the funeral director held my hand and offered words of comfort. I would like to share each step of the funeral planning process to help others through this difficult process. Planning a funeral takes a lot of thought and time during a particularly difficult period. Please visit whenever you need a hand.