A grave cared for,
even from afar.
Gentle headstone cleaning and regular grave tending, carried out quietly and with care, for families who cannot always visit.
What to expect
from your pro.
When you live a long way from where someone is buried, or visiting has become hard, it can weigh on you that the grave is not looked after the way you would like. A grave cleaning service means someone local can visit, clean the headstone gently, tidy the plot and leave flowers on your behalf.
Headstones need a soft touch. Stone such as marble, granite and sandstone can be damaged by pressure washers, wire brushes and household bleach. A careful grave cleaner uses water, soft brushes and cleaners made for memorial stone, and will not try to repaint lettering or move anything without your say. If the stone is cracked, leaning or loose, they will tell you rather than touching it, as repairs are a job for a memorial mason.
On AYS Concierge you enter the cemetery's postcode, not your own, and see pros who cover that area. Describe the grave, the cemetery and what you would like done, and local pros can send a free quote. Many families ask for before and after photos, so they can see the grave even when they cannot be there.
Common jobs
we cover.
Not on the list? Describe it and ask for free quotes.
Headstone clean
Moss, lichen and dirt removed gently with water, soft brushes and stone-safe cleaner, never a pressure washer.
Plot tidy
Weeds pulled, grass trimmed around the edges, old flowers cleared and gravel or chippings raked level.
Fresh flowers
Flowers placed on the grave for a birthday, anniversary or Christmas, following any rules the cemetery has.
Regular tending visits
A visit every month or season to keep the grave neat, with photos sent after each one.
Before and after photos
Clear photos of the headstone and plot, so family far away can see how it looks now.
Replacing chippings
Old, discoloured stone chippings replaced with fresh ones of a similar colour, where the cemetery allows it.
Condition check
A look at the headstone for cracks, leaning or loose parts, reported back to you so you can contact a mason.
Quotes first,
then you decide.
Describe the job
Add your postcode, a few lines about the job and photos if they help.
Get free quotes
Local pros who cover your area send a price. There is no obligation to accept.
Pick one and book
Choose the quote that suits you, pick a time and pay securely through AYS.
How the price
is worked out
Every grave is different, so this service is quoted. Describe the grave and add photos if you have them, and local pros will send a price. What changes the price: the size and type of headstone, the stone it is made from, how long since it was last cleaned, extras like flowers or new chippings, whether you want a one-off clean or regular visits, and how far the pro travels to the cemetery.
How to get
ready
- Give the cemetery or churchyard name and address, and the postcode of the cemetery itself.
- Share the plot or section number if you have it, and the full name on the headstone.
- Add an old photo of the grave if you have one, so the pro can find it and see how it used to look.
- Check the cemetery rules on flowers, ornaments and chippings, or ask the pro to check for you.
- Say clearly what should stay as it is, such as ornaments, toys or tributes left by others.
Choosing the right pro
Every pro is reviewed by the AYS team and passes a photo ID check before they can take bookings. We ask grave cleaners to upload their insurance, and the team checks what they send. Look at their profile for experience with memorial stone. A careful pro will explain their cleaning method, avoid harsh chemicals and pressure washing, and send photos before and after each visit.
Is it safe to clean an old headstone?
Yes, if it is done gently. Older stones, especially sandstone, limestone and marble, can be soft and easily damaged. The safe approach is water, soft brushes and a cleaner made for memorial stone, left to work over time. Pressure washers, wire brushes and bleach can remove the surface and the lettering, so a good grave cleaner will never use them.
Do I need permission to have a grave cleaned?
It is a good idea to check. Cemeteries and churchyards have their own rules, and the headstone usually belongs to the person who holds the rights to the grave. Simple cleaning and tidying is usually fine, but things like changing chippings or adding ornaments may need permission. The cemetery office can tell you.
Can you clean a grave if I live far away?
Yes, that is one of the main reasons families use this service. You book online using the cemetery's postcode, describe the grave, and a local pro does the visit. Before and after photos are sent to you, so you can see the grave was looked after. You pay securely through AYS when you book.
Can the lettering on the headstone be repainted?
Repainting or re-gilding lettering is specialist work, usually done by a memorial mason, and some cemeteries have rules about it. A grave cleaner can clean around the lettering so it is easier to read, and tell you if it has faded. If you want it restored, ask a mason for advice.
What if the headstone is leaning or broken?
A grave cleaner should not try to repair or move a headstone, as it can be heavy and unsafe. They will take photos and let you know. You can then contact the cemetery or a memorial mason, who can check whether it needs fixing and arrange the work properly.
Can you leave flowers on a special date?
Yes. Many families book a visit near a birthday, an anniversary, Mother's Day or Christmas, with flowers placed on the grave. Say what kind of flowers you would like and whether they should be fresh or artificial. Some cemeteries have rules on containers or when old flowers are removed.
Grave cleaning
near you.
AYS opens area by area. Pick your city for local tips, or check your postcode at the top of this page.
Often booked
together.
Do you offer grave cleaning?
Get booked for it.
Join AYS as a pro. Choose the postcodes you cover, set your prices and take bookings from local customers.