Memorial Care Made Simple: Expert Advice for Keeping Monuments at Their Best

Once installed, a memorial becomes woven into a family’s world. It is a place of reflection, remembrance and connection. Being outdoors, it is also frequently exposed to the elements and will not remain spotless on its own. Regardless of this, with some proper care and maintenance, your memorial can continue to honour your loved one’s legacy for generations to come.

Whether it is a headstone, plaque, monument or statue, regular upkeep helps preserve both appearance and structural integrity. And while most cemeteries across Australia are required to maintain safe, tidy grounds, the responsibility for individual tributes usually rests with families.

At Globe Memorial, we specialise in helping people create lasting, personalised memorials, and we also know a thing or two about caring for them so they remain beautiful, dignified and enduring.

* Please note: For any Sandstone or Heritage Monuments, it’s important to always seek advice from a licensed stonemason qualified in monumental restoration and cleaning.

Over time, dirt, moss, algae and general wear can build up and take away from the beauty of the monument. Routine cleaning is the best way to prevent this.

Here’s how to gently clean various surfaces:

After a gentle clean, rinsing comes next. Always use fresh water to thoroughly remove any soap residue, as this can cause staining or might even attract more dirt.

If any moss or algae is present, gently remove it. This is particularly common on memorials in shaded or damp areas.

Lastly, regular visual inspections of the headstone or monument for chips, cracks, loose elements or any signs of movement will help avoid further degradation and costly repairs down the track.

Looking after a memorial isn’t only about the monument itself. The space around it matters too. Long grass, weeds, leaves and debris can quickly make the area feel neglected, and over time, that neglect causes real issues. Clearing fallen leaves and branches helps prevent moisture from sitting around the base, which can lead to deterioration. Grass and weeds should be kept under control.

However, please note that some cemeteries have specific rules around what’s allowed regarding this type of maintenance, so it’s worth checking with the cemetery operator first.

Seasonal weather conditions, such as changes in temperature, moisture levels and plant growth, can have a significant impact on memorials, which means that certain times of year call for a little extra care to keep monuments looking their best now and in the long term.

During the cooler months, memorials in certain areas may be exposed to frost, snow and ice. Where possible, these should be removed gently using hands or a soft tool, taking care not to scrape the stone. Never use de-icing salts and chemical products, as they can penetrate the surface and cause permanent damage, particularly to natural stone.

In warmer months, higher temperatures combined with moisture can encourage the growth of moss, algae and surrounding vegetation. That’s why regular cleaning during this time of year is particularly important. After heavy rain, it’s also a good idea to check the memorial and ensure water isn’t pooling around the base, as this can lead to moisture, staining and surface degradation.

While regular, gentle care can go a long way in extending the life of a memorial, there are times when professional help is essential. Significant damage, such as cracking, leaning, instability or severe discolouration, is not something you can fix yourself. A trusted monument company can assess the issue and bring back its original beauty.

At Globe Memorial, our experienced team can assess structural condition, carry out repairs, realign monuments and restore stone finishes where required. We also use specialised cleaning and restoration products that are specifically designed for safety and preservation while maintaining dignity and integrity.

Looking after a loved one’s memorial is a meaningful act of respect and remembrance. With regular, appropriate cleaning, seasonal care, attention to the surrounds and calling on professional help when more detailed work or repairs are required, you’ll preserve its beauty and longevity.

At Globe Memorial, we’re committed to more than just custom design, production and installation. We support families in looking after these important tributes, helping them remain timeless places of reflection and connection across generations.

If you have any concerns about your memorial or would like advice on care or restoration, please contact us. We are always happy to assist.