How To Clean Gravel Like A Pro: 5 Simple Tips

by John Griffith
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New gravel is quite the beautiful sight. However, over time it starts to lose its sparkle. While this is completely normal, it can ruin the aesthetics you’re tying to achieve. You don’t need to add it to your regular outdoor cleaning routine, but it is still a good idea to clean it from time to time. This way you can ensure that your outdoor space looks clean, smart, and presentable. Dirty gravel can’t properly showcase your landscaping ideas. Like any other material gravel also needs to be looked after. And with a little love and our tips and tricks you can easily keep it looking in tip-top shape. Let us show you how to clean gravel like a pro.

New gravel is quite the beautiful sight

how to clean gravel white gravel stones

How To Clean Gravel

Gravel is essentially a collection of loose stones put together. It’s most commonly used for driveways, to create garden paths or around the pond, for the patio, and so on. In all of these places dirt, debris, dust, and algae builds up quite fast and it’s very visible. That’s why your gravel will benefit from a good clean. While it may seem impossible to clean gravel, you will be surprised by how relatively easy it is.

Gravel is essentially a collection of loose stones put together

gravel garden path

#Remove debris

The first thing you need to do is to remove any larger pieces of debris you see on the gravel. This includes kids or dog toys and fallen leaves. You can pick them up by hand or you can use a large outdoor broom to collect them. Just don’t use the same tools you use indoors. You can also use a leaf blower if you have on hand.

Remove any larger pieces of debris you see on the gravel

garden path with gravel

#Time to weed

This step may not be needed for every area of your property, but if you see any weeds sticking out, it’s best to deal with them. Remove weeds, leaves, grass, and any decomposing plant material you see in the gravel. You can pick out the weeds by hand or with a spade. If the weeds are extra tough you can also a weed spray to take them down.

You can pick out the weeds by hand or with a spade

how to clean gravel grayish gravel stones

#Get rid of dust and dirt

If your gravel has only a bit of dust and dirt, some water will do it good. Your garden hose on a low setting can get the job done. This is one of the most efficient ways to clean larger areas of gravel.  If you notice tougher areas simple focus on the water on them. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how much a bit of water can change up the look of your gravel. The more often you clear your gravel of such debris, the easier the cleanup will be.

This is one of the most efficient ways to clean larger areas

how to clean gravel gravel ideas in the garden

#Stain control

Sometimes water isn’t enough. If you haven’t cleaned your gravel for quite some time, it makes need a little extra tough love. Mold and algae create a natural stain on gravel which requires a specialist cleaner. On the bright side there are plenty of cleaning solutions available on the market, as well as online. Simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the product works its magic.

There are plenty of cleaning solutions available on the market

how to clean gravel garden with gravel

#Sifting

This is a great method if you are dealing with a smaller area of gravel. However, you will need a metal mesh to help you sift through the gravel. You can also make your own DIY mesh by drilling small holes into an old metal wheelbarrow. Then take the gravel and rinse it with water while agitating it. But be gentle. Harsh chemicals and movements may damage your gravel. After it is washed, you simply return it to its original area.

This is a great method if you are dealing with a smaller area of gravel

gravel in the backyard

This was how to clean gravel like a pro by using some simple, yet effective methods. We hope you found this article useful. Now you can touch up your gravel and refresh its look easily.

This was how to clean gravel like a pro

gravel driveway with car

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John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.