How to Take Care of Memorial Urns and Keepsakes

Urns are often associated with emotions and sentiments and once we buy one, it is essential to take proper care of it. Since urns are all made from various types of materials and have different shapes, the steps for taking care of your urn will depend largely on its style.

Taking the proper care for your loved one’s urn is usually a simple task, which will require very little of your time. However, following these simple steps for each material is essential for good results:

Ceramic urns for ashes

Since ceramic urns are very fragile and break easily if knocked over, it is important to remember that keeping them on a sturdy surface, away from foot traffic and pets, is essential. As for cleaning ceramic urns, use a soft dry cloth to carefully wipe away the dust from the surface. Even though the ceramic with a good finish doesn't absorb water it is best to avoid it, since it can damage the urn.

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Wooden Urns

Two thing are of great importance when caring for wooden urn – Keep your urn out of direct sunlight, to prevent wood cracking by the heat, and never use water or harsh chemical products, as they can cause the wood to break down.

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The rest is easy – gently wipe the outer surface to clean from dust, always using a dry soft cloth. You can also use furniture polish for wood to polish the urn once every three months – this will restore its shine.

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These simple steps will keep your wooden cremation urn for ashes in a good condition for many years ahead.

Glass Cremation urns

Just like the ceramic urns, glass urns need to be protected by keeping them on a stable surface, away from children and pets. Use a soft dry cloth to remove dust and dirt build-up. You can clean the urn by using an all-natural cleaning products, as well as water. After cleaning with water, immediately use a soft dry cloth to prevent the surface from staining.

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Metal urns for ashes

Metal urns are quite special and such urns require extra care and attention.

Keep a metal urn out of direct sunlight, on a stable surface. It is important to remember that heat from the sun can cause the shape of the urn to become warped over time. Avoid using a damp cloth for cleaning the urn, since water and other liquids may cause the urn to rust. Use a soft dry cloth instead.

Due to the smooth finish of the metal or the stainless steel, any scratches due to polishing will be very visible. Scratches are usually caused by sand or dust during polishing, so make sure the cloth is very clean.

With the right care, the urn can be enjoyed generation after generation, as a family heirloom. Learn more about keeping a funeral urn for ashes at home.

Where To Place The Cremation Urn

Here are several common options

Home - This might be on a mantle, a shelf, or another designated area.

Cemetery or Columbarium - If the deceased had a preference for a cemetery or columbarium, you may choose to place the urn in a niche or a designated space. Some cemeteries have specific sections for urns, while others allow them to be interred in burial plots

Scattering - After scattering, some families choose to keep a small portion of the ashes in a keepsake urn.

Burial - You can choose to bury the cremation urn in a cemetery or a private property, following local regulations.

Cremation Jewelry - Another option is to use a portion of the ashes to fill cremation jewelry, allowing you to carry a small memorial with you.

Travel or Destination - If the deceased loved to travel or had a special connection to a particular place, you might consider placing the urn there, following any legal or regulatory requirements.