Durable materials, including granite, are used for monuments and gravestones. However, time, inclement weather, wildlife, and erosion can leave their marks over time. Cleaning the material roughly can wear it down, so professionals use only specialized products. The guide below describes a few maintenance tasks you can carry out yourself and how experts provide deep-cleaning service for the best results.

How Can You Maintain a Loved One’s Memorial?

Remove any trash, dead flowers, leaves, weeds, and other debris that are on or around the site.

Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to wipe off the bottom of the memorial, where dirt tends to accumulate. If you use any water to rinse the surface, dry it thoroughly with another soft cloth.

What Materials Are Used for Professional Monument Restoration?

Professional deep cleaning returns the monument to its original state. Experts also use cotton swabs or small brushes to clean engravings, which makes details stand out.

Acid can corrode granite, so acidic cleaners are never used during professional service. Instead of ammonia-, vinegar-, or citrus-based supplies, experts use mild detergents. These products are often environmentally safe.

Commercial rust removers eliminate stubborn marks, while products containing hydrogen peroxide remove mold. Some of these products may need to soak overnight. After this, professionals rinse and dry the memorial, then polish it with a cloth to make sure there are no streaks or water spots.

If you need monument cleaning services, turn to Tri-County Memorials. With locations in Waterford, CT, and throughout the state, they’ve been serving families east of the Connecticut River since 1973. The cleaning products they use are licensed and safe for the planet. If the memorial is damaged, they also offer repairs to restore its original appeal. Call (860) 443-8744 to discuss a project, or visit them online to learn more about their work.