A relative passing away is one of the saddest times of our lives but it helps to ensure that they have a beautiful headstone. There are several different materials available from which to make a wonderful headstone that will ensure that your beloved is remembered. Most people are guilty of leaving a headstone to get horribly dirty after their loved one is buried. Below are the best tips for caring for your headstone to let the memory of your loved one shine through.

The type of care that the headstone requires mainly depends on what material it is made from. Nowadays, most headstones are made from granite, marble or bronze. Granite and marble headstones are relatively simple to care for. These types of headstones can be cleaned with a solution of 50% plain water and 50% bleach. You then use a paper towel to apply the mixture to the stone.

Once you have poured the solution over the headstone it is important to leave it to penetrate the material. The minimum amount of time you should leave it is 30 minutes. Once this time has passed, take some fresh plain water and wipe away all of the foam. This process will leave the headstone clean and bright.

If your loved one has a bronze headstone then the situation may be completely different. As bronze is made up of different metals, it is important to know what percentage of what metals are present in your relative's bronze headstone. It is possible find this out from the company you purchased the headstone from.

If you would still like to clean your relative's bronze headstone without this information, then it is possible. The process involves using a mild solution which is made up of 8 ounces of plain water and 1 tablespoon of ivory soap. Taking a small bristled brush and nimbly work the mixture into the headstone. Wash off the mixture from the headstone with plain water and repeat these steps again if need be. You can then give it a final cleanse with water that is distilled and polish the bronze to make it shiny.

You can purchase ready-made kits that are designed to clean dirty headstones. These are generally inexpensive and can easily be found from online sources. By ensuring that your loved one's headstone is clean and visible, you can make sure that their memory is never forgotten.