If your rocks are smaller than 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm), use 1⁄4 in (0. 64 cm) screening instead.
You can make your screen as large or as small as you’d like. About 4 sq ft (0. 37 m2) is probably the minimum size that would make this project work, but you can build it to be much larger if you want. However, you may need to add extra pieces of wood as supports across the bottom of the frame so the rocks don’t put too much pressure on the screen.
You can also place the screen over a large garbage can, if you’d like.
Try not to dig the shovel too deeply into the dirt underneath the rocks, since that will just give you a bigger mess to clean up when you’re finished.
If you see any weeds, twigs, trash, or any other debris that’s too big to fall through the screen, pull it out by hand.
While replacing the rocks as you clean them is a little faster, you’ll probably end up cleaning some of the same rocks more than once. You can also clear out a small area, then replace the rocks in that spot before moving to a new sections, if you’d like. Experiment to see what feels the most efficient for you.
If you have too many rocks to do in one day, try to complete a clear section one day, then return the next day to do another section. Continue this until the job is done.
If you set all the rocks aside to spread out at the end of the job, you can even pour the dirt back onto the landscaped area, then put the rocks on top of the dirt.
This will help break up any dirt that’s dried on the surface of the rocks, making it easier to clean. Even if the rocks are rounded or creviced on top, rather than being smooth and flat like pavers, try to sweep them off the best you can.
Using a sprayer attachment on your hose may make this job easier. If the rocks are really dirty, you’ll probably need the deeper cleaning power of a pressure washer.
It’s a good idea to wear safety equipment like long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and safety glasses, since the force from a pressure washer can sometimes send debris flying. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you may be able to rent one from a hardware store in your area.
If the mold is really stubborn, mix 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of bleach with 2 US gal (7. 6 L) of water, then apply that to the stones. Scrub them well, then rinse them with clean water. It may take 2 applications to fully remove the mold.
This is a great trick if you need to clean white landscaping rocks, as it will help restore their color. This is also a good technique if you want to wash smaller rocks that might get blasted away by a pressure washer. If you have a lot of rocks, try only washing the top layer, since the bottom rocks won’t be visible anyway.
If you’re using bleach, wear heavy-duty rubber gloves before you put your hands into the water. For very dirty rocks, you may want to allow them to soak in the solution for about 20 minutes.
Be careful where you pour the vinegar or bleach. Both will kill plants, and bleach is harmful to any pets and insects in the area as well.
Residue from bleach or vinegar can eat away at the rocks over time. When you’re finished, you can return the clean rocks to their original spot!
