How I Clean Algae Off Landscape Rocks (without scrubbing)
Your landscape rocks are meant to make your property look better than ever before. They will help enhance the area and make it look nicer than before. When you first get it put into your yard, you will be able to enjoy the clean look and the sharp appearance. But as time goes on, you can get algae, moss, and dirt on the landscaping rocks and they can start to lose some of their luster at the same time. When this happens, you may wonder how to clean Algae off your landscape rocks without having to scrub them off or wipe each one down.
According to the experts at Southwest Stone Supply of Columbia, who sell landscape rocks in Columbia, MO, the best way to clean algae and other dirt and grime off your landscape rocks without scrubbing, is to mix together vinegar and water in equal parts and then add them to a spray bottle. Spray the affected area generously and allow it to sit for about five to ten minutes. Bring out the hose and rinse the rocks off. The acidic properties of the vinegar will help to break down the algae and the water rinse can help move it away. Allow it some time to dry in the sun and your landscape rocks will look as good as new.
Landscaping rocks are a great addition to any home and yard and you want to make sure that you keep them in good working order the entire time you live in your home. Let’s take a closer look at how you can take good care of these rocks.
Keeping Algae Off My Landscape Rocks
Everyone wants to make sure that their landscaping looks as good as possible. But with time, there can be a lot of wear and tear that you will find on them and dirt and grime can build up on the landscaping rocks that you have. Learning how to keep the algae and more off the rocks can make a big difference in how good they look.
To start, if there is a mess around your landscaping rocks, take a moment to clean it up. Remove all of the weeds that are around the area and sweep off the leaves that are on top of the rocks. You will not see a lot of results with your cleaning if there is debris in the way. Have as much of the area cleared away to avoid problems later on.
With that done, it is time to make your solution. Grab a spray bottle and fill it up halfway with water. The other half will need to be vinegar. Shake it up a bit to help mix it and then put the sprayer lid on top. Spray this solution all over the landscape rocks, especially on the areas that are covered with the algae and other debris. You will need to leave the mixture on top of the rocks for about five to ten minutes, depending on how long it has been since you last cleaned the rocks.
After ten minutes, you can turn on the hose and use it to spray the vinegar mixture off your rocks. The acidic property of the vinegar will help to break down the algae, without harming the ecosystem around your home, but you don’t want to leave the mixture on forever. Some cool water from the hose can help remove the vinegar easily.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Algae Off Landscape Rocks
| Step | Action | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clear debris and weeds from around the rocks | 5-10 minutes |
| 2 | Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle | 1-2 minutes |
| 3 | Spray the solution generously on the algae-covered rocks | 2-3 minutes |
| 4 | Allow the solution to sit on the rocks | 5-10 minutes |
| 5 | Rinse the rocks with a water hose | 2-3 minutes |
| 6 | Allow the rocks to dry in the sun | 30-60 minutes |
How to Prevent Algae From Coming Back on Your Rocks
Now that you have done the work to remove the algae from the landscape rocks, the next step is to prevent that algae from coming back. Proper maintenance can go a long way to prevent this problem. keeping debris away from the rocks with a quick clean-up and a sweep of the area can make a difference. If there is a water feature near the rocks, make sure that it is properly circulating and filtered so that algae has no room to grow.
If you do not have a water feature around the rocks, just try to keep the area clean. Divert rainwater away from the rocks as much as possible so the area stays dry and won’t become a safe habitat for the algae.
Choosing the Best Cleaning Method for Your Landscaping Rocks
It is important to take care of your home, whether you are worried about how it looks on the inside or the outside with your landscaping. And when you use some of the steps that we listed in this article, you will be able to spend a few minutes and get the rocks to look amazing. Do this at least once a year and your landscaping rocks are going to look brand new like you just got them put in.
