Losing a loved one is always a difficult and emotional experience.
As we strive to honour their memory, one important aspect is maintaining the appearance of their headstone.
Over time, natural elements like weather and pollution can cause damage to the stone, making it difficult to read inscriptions or appreciate the design.
To help preserve the integrity of the gravestone, it’s important to consider professional cleaning services.
In this article, we will explore the question, “How much does it cost to professionally clean a headstone?” and introduce you to the memorial aftercare plans we offer here at Memorial Aftercare that can help maintain the beauty of your loved one’s final resting place.
The Cost of Maintaining a Memorial
When it comes to the cost of professionally cleaning a gravestone, there are several factors that can influence the price, including the size of the stone, the level of cleaning required, and the location of the cemetery.
These factors are typically inspected before any memorial aftercare work is carried out so that a price can be determined.
Although it may be possible to purchase a one-off professional memorial cleaning service, to ensure that a headstone or other memorial is well cared for consistently professional memorial cleaners will likely offer a series of ongoing memorial aftercare plans.
It’s important to note that some cemeteries have their own regulations regarding gravestone cleaning, so it’s always best to check with the cemetery first before hiring a professional gravestone cleaner.
Memorial Aftercare Plans
To help maintain the appearance of your loved one’s gravestone, you may want to consider a memorial aftercare plan.
These plans provide regular cleaning and maintenance services to keep the stone looking its best.
For example, below you can find details of the memorial aftercare plans we offer:
Memorial Aftercare Plans for Headstones
1 Year Plan from £165.00
3 Year Plan from £430.00
Memorial Aftercare Plans for Cremation Memorials
1 Year Plan from £140.00
3 Year Plan from £330.00
Each of these plans offer comprehensive memorial maintenance services that are carried out routinely throughout the year.
Each plan includes a visit to the memorial to carry out the works every four months, totalling three visits and professional cleans per year.
During these visits, memorial aftercare plan subscribers can expect the following:
Trimming and grass (and removal of grass clippings and any other debris)
A full professional clean using specialist methods
Removal of any stubborn deposits
Condition and stability check (including re-levelling if required)
Memorial detailing and removal of tired flowers, stale water etc.
Aftercare visit report following each visit accompanied with updated images
Benefits of Memorial Aftercare Plans
There are many benefits to investing in a memorial aftercare plan.
Here are just a few:
- Prevent Damage: Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent damage to the gravestone over time.
- Scheduled Cleaning: With a plan in place, you don’t have to worry about remembering to schedule cleaning services.
- Improve Aesthetics: Professional cleaning services can help restore the gravestone’s original beauty and improve readability of inscriptions.
- Cost Savings: Memorial aftercare plans often offer discounts for ongoing services, which can save you money in the long run.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your loved one’s gravestone is being regularly maintained can provide a sense of comfort and peace of mind.
- Expert Care: Professional memorial restorers and cleaners have the expertise and equipment to provide the best possible care for the gravestone.
- Long-Term Preservation: Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the life of the gravestone, ensuring that it remains a lasting tribute to your loved one for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions about Memorial Cleaning Plans
Q: How often should a gravestone be cleaned?
A: It’s generally recommended that gravestones be cleaned regularly at least once every four months depending on the location and level of dirt and debris build-up.
Q: Can I clean the gravestone myself?
A: People do clean the gravestones of their loved one’s by themselves, but it’s important to note that this may not always be advisable as cleaning a gravestone or other memorial using incorrect techniques or products can cause damage to the stone or surrounding areas. Professional memorial cleaners have the experience and tools necessary to properly clean a gravestone without causing harm.
Q: Can I purchase a memorial aftercare plan after the gravestone has already been cleaned?
A: Yes, you can purchase a memorial aftercare plan at any time, even if the gravestone has already been cleaned. These plans provide ongoing maintenance and cleaning services to keep the gravestone in good condition.
Q: What if my loved one’s gravestone is damaged?
A: If you notice any damage to the gravestone, it’s important to contact a memorial mason who offers a professional gravestone restoration service. They can assess the damage and provide recommendations for repairs or restoration. Here at Memorial Aftercare, we carry out a comprehensive inspection of any memorial that we haven’t recently installed ourselves to check for any potential memorial restoration work that may need to be carried out before a memorial aftercare plan can commence.
Q: Can I purchase a memorial aftercare plan for a gravestone that is not in my immediate family?
A: Yes, you can purchase a memorial aftercare plan for any gravestone, regardless of your relationship to the deceased, although it would be advisable to first discuss this with the surviving family of the deceased to ensure they are happy for you to go ahead with your caring gesture. It’s a thoughtful way to honour someone’s memory and ensure their gravestone is well-maintained.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the types of gravestones that can be cleaned with a memorial aftercare plan?
A: Most professional gravestone restoration and cleaning services can clean a wide range of gravestones, including granite, marble, and limestone. However, there may be some restrictions on certain types of materials or designs, so it’s best to check with the service provider to ensure they can meet your specific needs.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel my memorial aftercare plan?
A: Most providers will have specific terms and conditions for cancellations, so it’s important to review the details before signing up for a plan. Some may offer partial refunds, while others may not offer refunds at all.
Honouring Your Loved One’s Memory with the Memorial they Deserve
Maintaining the appearance of your loved one’s gravestone is an important part of honouring their memory.
Professional cleaning services can help restore the gravestone’s beauty and readability, while memorial aftercare plans provide ongoing maintenance and cleaning services to keep it looking its best.
When considering the cost of professional cleaning services and memorial aftercare plans, it’s important to remember the value of preserving the integrity of the gravestone for years to come.
If you’d like to discuss our memorial aftercare plans in more detail please don’t hesitate to contact us by calling 03301 248 519, e-mailing info@memorialaftercare.com or by completing our simple online enquiry form.
