The presence of dirt and leaves also develops a breeding ground for pests. If the rocks are not appropriately maintained, the moisture ruins the beauty of the rocks. To create a safer environment for plants, learn about how to clean landscape rocks without killing plants and decide on what method you plan to use.
Also Read: How to Fix Brown Spots in Grass on Your Lawn
How to Clean Landscape Rocks by Their Type
Find the best way to clean small landscape rocks depending on the stone type. Each rock has its own characteristics, so decide based on your garden.
| Rock Type | Steps | How to Clean with Details |
| River rocks, pea gravel, and decorative stones. | Clear debris regularly | Sweep with a stiff broom or use a leaf blower to remove leaves, stems, and grass. |
| Pea gravel, small landscape rocks, and decorative stone beds. | Weed your landscape | Pull weeds by hand or use natural weed-control sprays. Avoid harsh chemicals to protect plants. |
| Sloped gardens or courtyard landscaping. | Control erosion | Install edging or landscape fabric to prevent soil from washing into rock beds. |
| River rocks, flagstone, and decorative boulders. | Clean rocks thoroughly | Wash with soapy water and a hose; use a low-pressure washer for large rocks. |
| Pea gravel, crushed stone, and garden pathways. | Reshaping of landscape | Utilize garden tools to maintain neat pathways and balanced beds. |
| Large river rocks, retaining walls, and ornamental rock gardens. | Address drainage issues | Improve the slope, add gravel layers, or install drains to prevent algae and mud. |
How To Clean Landscape Rocks From a Patio or a Driveway
You must keep in mind that the decomposition of leaves fallen on gravel discolors it over time. Areas closer to trees require more maintenance and cleaning; this is why it is essential to know how to clean landscape rocks without killing plants.
Below are some steps to keep the landscape rocks clean:
1. Clear Debris Regularly
Clear debris such as leaves, stems, and grass clippings. To clean the debris regularly, use a leaf blower or a stiff-bristle broom to sweep the surface. If your outdoor space has plants that shed a lot of leaves onto your rock beds, this is surely helpful. Regular cleaning makes the further steps in how to clean decorative stone much easier.
2. Install Weed Barriers Under the Rocks
Weeds present in rock beds also trap more dirt. To avoid this, pull weeds by hand or use a natural weed-killing solution, such as boiling water or vinegar sprays. If you are concerned about how to clean landscape rocks without killing plants, you must avoid chemical herbicides and install weed barriers under the rocks for decreased regrowth.
3. Proper Erosion
Rain is not always beneficial for plants. Rain or irrigation can wash soil into your rocks, causing them to become muddy. To avoid this mess, consider edging your landscape with stones, bricks, or borders to keep soil in place. Proper erosion keeps the rocks easier to clean and extends the life of your landscape rocks.
4. Clean Rocks Thoroughly
The buildup of dirt and algae requires deep cleaning. If you want to clean small landscape rocks, place them in a wheelbarrow and rinse with a garden hose. Then, scrub gently with soapy water. You can clean the larger rocks with a pressure washer to avoid damage. But remember to keep the setting low.
If you want to avoid harsh chemicals, use a mild cleaning solution made of dish soap and water. This way, you can learn how to clean landscape rocks without killing plants around them.
5. Reshape Your Landscape
With time, rocks sink into the soil. Use garden tools with long handles to gather leaves or smooth soil and keep the pathways looking organized. This also makes landscape rocks clean and manageable in the long run.
Also Read: 10 Landscape Design Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Dream Garden
6. Address Drainage Issues
Poor drainage causes algae, moss, and mud to gather around the rocks. Install proper slopes, French drains, or gravel layers to reduce the amount of cleaning needed and keep the landscape rocks looking natural all year long.
How to Clean Large Landscape Rocks
When learning how to clean landscape rocks that are larger in size, here is what you can follow:
- Remove debris with a broom and gently rinse off the rocks.
- The next step incorporates scrubbing rocks using a pressure washer.
- Clean the crevices or other hard-to-reach areas of large landscape rocks.
- Rinse the rocks again to remove remaining dirt.
- Allow the rocks to dry to remove any moisture.
How to Clean Small Landscape Rocks or White Landscape Rocks
White landscape rocks are popular for gardens because of their polished look. If you are concerned about how to clean small landscape rocks, here is what you can do:
- Clear away leaves from the white landscape stones.
- Rinse the stones with a cleaning solution and dip a stiff-bristle brush into the solution.
- Scrub the stones with a bleach solution to remove stubborn stains. Let the solution sit for a few minutes.
- Remove any remaining dirt and allow the white stones to air dry.
Advantages of Maintaining Landscape Rocks
Now that you have information on how to clean landscape rocks, the following are the benefits of cleaning that make it worthwhile to invest in this process.
- Prevention of pests
- Reduced weed growth
- Increases the longevity of landscaping
- No deformation in landscaping design
- Restored color of the rocks
- Environmentally friendly
Also Read: 6 Stylish & Elegant Deck and Patio Ideas for Small Spaces
Wrap Up
Various rock options modify the look of your garden. They are in various colors and sizes and thus require different maintenance. You can follow the guide about how to clean small landscape rocks and keep your landscape beautiful.
If you think the steps mentioned above sound challenging for you. Why don’t you make it easier for yourself by hiring professionals and getting the job done right? KLG is a landscaping company with all the knowledge of maintaining your outdoor features. We provide landscaping services in Dubai by using high-quality products and solutions according to your needs.
FAQs
What is the best way to clean garden stones?
Over time, dirt, algae, and moss can build up on garden stones. You can wash them occasionally with a hose or pressure washer to bring back their natural color and shine. For smaller areas, a stiff brush and soapy water can also do the trick.
How to clean leaves out of landscape rocks?
To clean a rock bed, first remove large debris by hand or with a rake. Use a leaf blower to clear smaller leaves and dust.
How to clean decorative stone?
Let the rocks soak for a few minutes in warm water and soap. This will help loosen up any stuck-on debris.
How to clean brown algae off rocks?
Whenever they are on tougher surfaces like rocks and stones, use a toothbrush or a wire brush to scrub them off. You can also use a gravel vacuum or some other form of a siphon.
How do you maintain a stone?
Routine care can maintain a stone. Natural stone countertops and floors should be cleaned with neutral cleaners specifically designed for stone.
