Headstones can be a touching monument that commemorates the life of a loved one. No matter their design or size, they represent a special way to help a person’s memory live on. Even when the winter months set in, you can keep a headstone looking beautiful in spite of the elements.

3 Tips to Remember When Caring for a Headstone

1.  Use the Right Cleaners

In the winter, snow and sleet accumulate on a headstone. This can lead to dirt and mud getting mixed in, resulting in a mess you’ll want to clean up quickly. However, make sure you’re using the right type of cleaner on this very sensitive monument.

Avoid highly acidic or alkaline-based cleaners. Anything along the lines of bleach or a similar substance will deteriorate the stone. While the immediate effects may not be visible, the damage will add up over time. It’s recommended to use distilled water and a soft cloth to clean it.

2. Avoid Using Shaving Cream

It’s a common belief among many people that shaving cream can clean this type of monument. The reason people believe this is because the cream can take off stains and make the markings look more pronounced. However, you shouldn’t do this.

The acidic properties of this formula can weaken the stone, leading to an increased risk of chipping and crumbling after every application. It’s best to avoid this old idea, as it does more harm than good.

3. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

When cleaning headstones for graves, frequency is crucial. Even though it can be tempting to try and clean this monument whenever there is a heavy snow, scrubbing a stone too often can cause it to break down, leading to the designs chipping over time.

It is best to clean a headstone annually. To make sure the winter weather doesn’t have too much of an effect on it, plan your cleaning after the first big snowstorm of the year.

When you need a monument to celebrate the life of a loved one who has passed away, let McGee Monument in Morrilton, AR, help you. Combining a century of carving experience with top-grade materials, this expert can help create the tombstones that honor those who have passed on. To get in touch, visit this company online or call (800) 750-0177.