How to Clean and Care For Your Loved One’s Urn

A lot of time and effort goes into selecting just the right urn for your loved one after their cremation services. Make sure it stays looking like new for years to come by taking care of it and cleaning it properly. If you aren’t sure of the best techniques for your type of urn, directors of funeral homes in Columbia, TN have these tips.

Glass Urns

Glass urns can be beautiful and come in various colors and designs. You can find these urns in premade designs or opt for a custom hand-blown piece. Whatever you decide, you will want to ensure you keep this urn on a stable surface since they are delicate and easily broken. You will also want to make sure they are not placed in a high-traffic area in your home to best avoid the possibility of the urn getting knocked over and broken.

To clean these urns, simply wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth. If you wish to perform a deeper cleaning of the urn, you can use all-natural glass cleaning products and water. Just make sure to wipe dry after using water.

Wooden Urns

Wooden urns can be durable as they are less delicate than other choices like glass or ceramic. One thing to note about wooden urns, however, is to keep them out of direct sunlight and/or heat as this can cause them to crack and warp over time.

To clean a wooden urn, simply use a furniture polish made specifically for wood and a soft cloth. Make sure you do not use water as this can also damage the urn over time.

Ceramic Urns

Ceramic urns are much like glass urns in that they are very delicate and can easily be broken. Therefore, just as with a glass urn, you want to make sure the space you keep this urn in is secure and out of the way of people or pets potentially knocking it over.

When cleaning a ceramic urn, it is best to use a soft dry cloth and wipe it clean. Depending on the finish, some ceramic urns may be damaged by water. Check with the urn provider or avoid using water if unsure about your urn’s finish.

Metal Urns

While durable, metal urns need to be kept out of direct sunlight and heat, sure that the urn will warp over time. The best way to care for a metal urn is to clean it with a soft, dry cloth. Also, make sure the cloth is clean and free of any residue as metal can scratch very easily. If you have a metal such as stainless steel, these scratches will be very prominent. Additionally, to help avoid scratches, it is recommended to wipe along the polish lines and avoid cleaning in a circular motion.

Directors of funeral homes in Columbia, TN understand that an urn is a lasting tribute to your loved one. Making sure it is placed in an appropriate area and cleaning it properly will help it last and stay looking like new for generations.