How to Clean Landscaping Rocks

Rocks are commonly used in landscaping for many reasons and effects. With so many shapes, colors and sizes rocks are oftentimes the perfect ornament to enhance the décor of a lawn. Rocks are often used to hide the mechanical workings of man-made ponds or to outline garden plots giving a distinct all natural separation to the lawn. Being outside all the time they are constantly exposed to the elements and will need to be cleaned from time to time to keep them looking nice. A little work involved to get the desired results, but the time and effort is always worth it.

Vinegar
Garden hose
Medium bristle brush

Instructions

- 1
  Use the hose to spray and rinse away as much moss, mold and debris as possible. Using the spray nozzle attachment on the hose may be a little more advantageous. The easiest way to loosen this is to use a pressure washer.
- 2
  Use a soft to medium bristle brush to help loosen up any remaining debris if a power washer was not used.
- 3
  Pour 1 cup of vinegar into a spray bottle and saturate the rocks thoroughly. If you need more, use only as much as needed. Too much vinegar can be harmful to plant life by lowering the pH balance in the soil. While vinegar is great for killing weeds, you may not want to use this near plants you don't intend to kill. Some plants such as rhododendrons, hydrangeas, azaleas and gardenias love the acidic soil. If possible, move the rocks to a better location where the vinegar won't disrupt the garden.
  Allow the rocks to soak for about 15 minutes.
- 4
  Rinse the rocks by spraying them with the hose.
- 5
  Use the brush to remove any debris that might still be hanging on and spray again.

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