If your garden looks fantastic with landscape rocks, you must know the best way to clean landscape rocks. Landscape rocks are a very important element of any garden. They add structure to the garden with serene beauty.
However, as the garden is mostly an open area, these landscape rocks attract dust and dirt over time. In the area or seasons when humidity is higher, algae formation can also be noticed on garden rocks.
This leads to the dull appearance of the landscape rocks.
Cleaning these landscape rocks is a mammoth and irritating task.
Don’t worry. Following this step-by-step guide to clean landscape garden rocks, you can restore the natural, soothing view of these rocks.
Why is Cleaning Landscape Rocks Important?
Landscape rocks get dirt and stain over time. Also, sometimes mold and algae growth can be found on them. This leads to the dull and unwanted appearance of the landscape rocks. As a result, the beauty of the garden could be better.
Regular and proper cleaning helps to maintain good-looking landscape rocks in their original shape. It helps to enhance the prettiness of the garden over time. As dirt and other unwanted biomass get cleaned over time, it helps other desired garden plants grow stronger and healthier.
Tools and Supplies for Cleaning Landscape Rocks
To get started, you’ll need the following items:
– Broom or leaf blower: This is used to blow away loose dirt and debris.
– Garden Hose or Pressure Washer: This is used to rinse off the rocks.
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– Scrub Brush or Wire Brush: This is used to scrub away stubborn grime.
– Cleaning Solutions: Mild dish soap, white vinegar, or specialized stone cleaners are available. Avoid harsh chemicals that damage plants, lawns, and even the rock.
-Safety Gear: Gloves and eye protection for safe handling of the cleaning process.
Step-by-Step Process to Clean Landscape Rocks
1. Evaluation of the Condition
While evaluating the dirtiness of landscape rocks, you may find dust on them. Sometimes, you may observe stains, mold, or algae in standalone condition or combination.
You have to rightly examine and determine the exact dirtiness to decide the depth of the cleaning process of the landscape rocks.
2. Remove Loose Debris
The first step of cleaning is to remove loose dirt and debris along with dried leaves with the help of a broom or blower.
3. Pre-Rinse the Rocks
Though you have removed the dirt and dust, some stubborn dirt may lie on it.
To remove the same, use a garden hose or pressure pipe. It will clear the rock surface for deeper cleaning required, if any.
4. Select Your Cleaning Solution
For General Dirt: To clean the general dirt, use everyday cleaning mild dish soap with water. This can easily clean the common dirt from landscape rocks.
For Stains and Algae: Vinegar is the best cleaning solution for dissolving algae and mold. Take white vinegar with water in equal parts. And clean stains along with algae or mold, if any.
Take care while using vinegar on limestone, as it is sensitive to the solution.
For Heavy Stains: even after the primary cleaning as per the above steps, use a commercial stone cleaner if you still observe heavy stains.
Take care while choosing a commercial stone cleaner. It should be compatible with the stone type you are about to clean.
5. Scrub the Rocks
After you choose the day-to-day cleaning solution or commercial rock cleaner, it is time to scrub the rock.
Apply the solution to the rock and scrub it with the brush. Wherever you find heavy grim or stains, clean them thoroughly.
If the landscape rock has notches on it, use a wire brush to clean it. Take care using a wire brush, as it can harm you.
6. Rinse Off Thoroughly
After finishing the scrubbing:
- Rinse the cleaning solution with dirt.
- Use a garden hose pipe or pressure washer.
- Rinse the rock completely and leave any dirt or residue from the cleaning solution on the landscape rock.
7. Allow to Dry and Inspect
Finally, allow the rock to dry naturally. After the landscape rock dries completely, inspect it for any stains. If you observed it, repeat the process.
8. Prevention for Future Buildup
To maintain clean and neat garden rocks, follow the steps given below.
Regular Cleaning: Cleaning is a periodic process. It helps to prevent any future dirt buildup.
Control Algae Growth: Algae control products or biocides are the best option to prevent algae growth on landscape rocks.
Ensure Good Drainage: Water accumulation in the garden leads to the formation of stains and algae. Ensure proper drainage to avoid such issues.
Additional Maintenance Tips
Routine Upkeep: A regular cleaning schedule helps keep garden rocks clean and neat.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Mild cleaning solutions are the best option to clean the rocks. Harsh chemicals may damage the garden rocks.
Professional Assistance: You must not hesitate to get help from a professional cleaner to remove stubborn stains, algae, and mold growth, if any.
Conclusion
Cleaning landscape rocks regularly always not only helps to maintain the beauty of the garden but also helps to enhance it.
Following the steps mentioned earlier to clean the landscape rocks, you keep them alive, along with your garden. It will help to make your garden inevitable and pleasant.
Keep exploring our blog for more cleaning tips and indoor and outdoor maintenance advice for your home!