Rocks are commonly used in both the lawn and pool landscape to add an ornamental, natural touch to the area. The variety of sizes, colors and shapes makes each landscape rock unique, making each lawn they touch a truly special work of art. With most outdoor items, however, these rocks are subject to constant abuse from the elements. Wind and water constantly wear down the rock, as fungi and moss creep over it while the sun bakes the rock, making it more brittle and susceptible to weathering. It is relatively easy to clean landscape rock, though, and only requires a little elbow grease and a water hose. Initial Rinse: Begin by spraying off as much superficial debris as possible to see what you really have to work with. Most dirt, insects, moss and mold will be removed during this step, though the more stubborn may remain. A spray nozzle attachment for the water hose will ease this step by concentrating the water into a strong blast targeted at a precise location. If a spray nozzle attachment is not available, however, simply holding your thumb over part of the hose to force the water out more rapidly is a viable option. Brushing: A soft or medium bristle brush should now be used to remove any stubborn, lingering debris or moss. The brush should easily remove most of the debris, though some will remain. Rinse the rock with the hose to remove all the dirt that has been loosened, and prepare to step up the cleaning power. Vinegar: Vinegar can be used to break up dirt and debris on the landscaping rocks and make it even easier to remove dirt that you didn't notice before, renewing it to its original shine. Simply pour 1 cup of vinegar into a spray bottle, and soak the entire rock. Allow it to stand for about 15 minutes, and then spray the rock down with the hose. Bleach can be used in place of the vinegar if absolutely necessary, though the bleach will kill all plants and animals it comes into contact with, so be very careful. Be careful when using vinegar in the landscape, as it will lower the pH level in the soil, which can kill some plant life, including weeds. Safe plants to use vinegar around include rhododendrons, azaleas, gardenias and hydrangeas. These plants prefer the acidic soil, and will thrive if a little vinegar is splashed their way. Be careful not to splash any vinegar into the water if the stone is in a pool landscape, as the altered pH level can cause serious problems. Final Rinse: Finally, spray the stone one final time to remove any leftover stains and the excess vinegar. Wait for the rock to dry out after the rinse to see the result of your efforts. Repeat this about once per month to keep all of your landscaping stones attractive and moss free.
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