Landscaping rocks can be a beautiful addition, and can add a lot to the overall presentation of your home. After time, however, they do get dirty, and can look less appealing. Leaves, weeds, pine needles, and algae can leave your rocks looking dingy and grimy. Cleaning your landscaping rocks is a quick, easy project you can do yourself, that will improve the appearance of your home.

Landscaping rocks come in varying sizes, and each size category requires a different method of cleaning. Generally, there are three ways to tackle dirty landscaping rocks. Smaller rocks can be sifted over a screen to remove any dirt or debris. Larger rocks can be cleaned with a power washer and a push broom to remove dirt. Rocks that are extremely dirty, or difficult to reach, can be soaked in an acidic solution to remove dirt and stains.

1. How to sift small landscaping rocks with a screen

To sift smaller rocks, you’re going to need to build yourself a sifting screen. Don’t worry, this is not as difficult as it may sound. Using 2x4s, or whatever scrap wood you may have available, build a rectangular shaped frame that’s at least 2 ft x 2 ft (4ft sq). Use staples to attach a piece of screen or mesh with 1/2 in holes, cut just a little bigger than the size of the frame. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but should be sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the rocks, and vigorous shaking.

Lay out 2 tarps, one for sifting over, and one for holding rocks that have been cleaned. Lay the sifter out on the work tarp, and use a shovel to move a batch of rocks from their location to the sifter. Lift the sifter and shake back and forth until all or most of the loose dirt and debris have fallen through the screen. If you’d like, you can move the screen away from the tarp and spray down with your garden hose to lightly rinse the rocks. Pile clean rocks on the unused tarp to be returned to their original location later. Repeat until you have cleaned all of the landscaping rocks in that particular area. Be sure not to scoop up too much excess dirt when shoveling the rocks. When too much dirt accumulates on the tarp, carefully pick it up and dump the dirt back into the landscaped area where the rocks have already been removed.

2. How to clean larger landscaping rocks

Start by using a push broom to sweep away any dirt or debris on the rocks. Even if the rocks are rounded or have uneven surfaces, try to scrub each surface of the rock to loosen and remove dried on gunk. Spray the rocks down with your garden hose, and use the push broom to give them a quick scrub.

After a vigorous brushing, rinse the rocks down with clean water. Use a sprayer attachment on your hose to create a little more pressure, and make the job a little easier. For rocks that are very dirty, or that have not come clean after a scrub down, you will need to use a power washer.

Before you begin, make sure to put on safety glasses, and heavy work gloves. Jeans and a long sleeve shirt will also help to shield your body from any fragments that may come loose and kick back at you. Keeping the nozzle at least 3 feet away from the surface of the rocks, spray the cracks and crevices around the rock, and then spray the surface of all of the rocks. Work in small sections, spraying from side to side, from one end of the landscaped area to the other.

3. Using an acidic solution to remove dirt and stains

If you have rocks that have algae, fungus or mold growing on them, you may need a stronger solution to remove it and get them clean. White vinegar and bleach will both work to kill mold or fungus, you can use either to clean your landscaping rocks. Scoop rocks into a 5 gallon bucket with a shovel, but be careful not to overfill as you will still need to be able to lift the bucket.

If you’re using white vinegar, mix 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water, and pour directly over the rocks. Use your hands or a trowel to move the rocks around in the bucket, until most of the grime has been removed.

To make a bleach solution, mix 1/4 cup bleach to 2 gallons of water. Pour directly over the rocks, and let stand for 15-20 minutes. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from the bleach, and use your hands or a trowel to move the rocks around in the bucket until most of the grime comes off.

Vinegar and bleach will both damage grass and foliage in your yard, so be sure to dump the buckets out somewhere safe. After you’ve swished the rocks around in your chosen solution, and most of the grime appears to be removed, dump the water out of the bucket. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, and repeat process until all residue is removed. Set clean rocks aside to be replaced in the landscaped area later.

Keeping your landscaping rocks clean and free of mold or fungus, will ensure their beauty for many years to come. For best results, try to clean your landscaping rocks at least once every two years.