Embalmers make sure that a deceased body is cleaned, preserved, and made presentable for funeral rites.

When a body arrives at a funeral home, embalmers record the name of the deceased. They make a list of the clothing and valuables that came in with the body.

Embalmers wash the body with soap and dry it. They use a special pump to drain the blood from the body and replace it with embalming fluid. The fluid preserves the body while it is prepared for funeral rites.

Embalmers also work on the deceased's face to make it look natural. For example, they put lenses in the eyes so that they maintain a rounded shape. Embalmers reconstruct some bodies or faces using materials such as:

• Clay
• Cotton
• Plaster of Paris
• Wax

They also apply makeup to cover unnatural skin tones and blemishes. In addition, they style the deceased's hair in order to give a more lifelike appearance to the deceased.

Embalmers dress the body and place it in the casket. In many funeral homes, embalmers are also funeral directors. They help direct casket and floral display arrangements and supervise funeral attendants.

Some embalmers are employed by coroners and may assist them with autopsies, filing police reports, or testifying in court.