4 min read

How to clean gravel?

Remove dirt, moss and weeds

Many of us care about cleanliness and order in the home, but we don't always pay the same level of attention to our outdoor spaces. However, the warm season is an ideal time to focus on cleaning outdoor flooring, stairs, garden walls and so on.

Even gravelled areas of the garden need occasional maintenance. Gravel is composed of fragments of compact rock: it is a very versatile material, with functional and decorative properties that make it suitable for driveways, parking spaces, plant beds and more. In fact, in passage points it is very useful for preventing water from pooling, which otherwise can lead to puddles and mud. Available in various types, colours, shapes and sizes, gravel gives the garden a pleasant and tidy appearance, but if it becomes covered in moss and clogged with dry leaves and weeds, the opposite effect is achieved. When this happens, it is better to take prompt action: today we will find out exactly how to clean gravel in the garden.

Leaves and coarse dirt

The equipment needed to clean gravel depends on the task being performed, so we will indicate it in each instance. In all cases, depending on the size of the affected area, keep a bucket or wheelbarrow handy to move the gravel and/or collect the rubbish. You will also need a rake to level the surface after cleaning. Finally, remember to wear utility gloves.

First remove leaves, twigs and coarse dirt that settle on the gravel. Bear in mind that leaves can stain gravel, especially if it is light-coloured and they are left to decompose for an extended period. You can collect everything by hand, using a leaf rake, or utilise a blower on a low air speed setting so as to avoid displacing the gravel and kicking up pebbles that might cause injury or damage. If the gravel is very dusty, dampen it with water from a hose before starting with the blower.

If the gravel has become mixed with soil in a small area like a plant bed, you can sift it. Use a shovel to remove the gravel from the plant bed and a plastic fruit crate (lined with fine mesh on the bottom, if necessary) to separate the stones from the soil. Then simply rinse the gravel with the spray from a hosepipe or high-pressure washer. Once it is rinsed, you can place it back in the plant bed.

Stains and moss

At a later stage you can wash the gravel to remove dust and light soiling such as mud and bird droppings: a hose and a stiff-bristled brush or broom are sufficient for this task. If using a high-pressure washer, reduce the water pressure to the lowest setting and don’t point the lance too close to the gravel’s surface.

Gravel in damp and shaded areas of the garden – e.g. under trees and shrubs – tends to get covered in moss. To clean moss from gravel, a detergent designed for outdoor use to combat algae, mould and lichen can be effective: follow the product's instructions and recommended dosage. Depending on the size of the affected area, you can spread the detergent with a spray bottle, pressure pump or sprayer pump. Alternatively, you can pour a solution of hot water and sodium carbonate (baking soda) onto the gravel using a watering can. The next day, rinse it off with a hose or high-pressure washer. For optimal results, we recommend repeating the procedure several days later.

Dirt is more easily noticeable on light-coloured gravel: if you prefer less frequent cleaning, opt for coloured gravel or a multi-coloured mix, which camouflages the dirt. For this reason, we recommend using light-coloured gravel only in areas free from deciduous plants and standing water, and with good sun exposure.

As an alternative to trees and shrubs that lose their leaves and to keep the gravel in your garden cleaner, you can plant easy-to-manage evergreen plants (here you can find an article on how to take care of evergreens).

Weeds

To prevent weeds from growing between gravel stones, you can lay down a mulching sheet before spreading the gravel. This suppresses the problem, but it's not a permanent solution because over time the weeds will eventually break through the sheet. Furthermore, a thin substrate can gradually form between the gravel and sheet, creating a fertile environment for weeds to take root. Nevertheless, in addition to acting as a barrier against weeds growing from below, the mulching sheet keeps the gravel cleaner.

The only surefire solution to remove unwanted vegetation is to patiently uproot the weeds promptly with a hoe or sharp knife. Another method can be to apply herbicide locally, for example with a spray bottle: choose a product that is non-toxic to animals and insects such as bees, and adhere to the recommended dosage.

In the garden, gravel can even become the focal point: this is true in gravel gardens, which offer a unique alternative to traditional lawns, particularly in less hospitable environments (due to soil quality, intense sun exposure, water scarcity, etc.). Despite not being the standout feature, gravel is nevertheless a key element in Zen gardens, which we offer some creative inspiration on.

Want to make your garden even more suitable for plants and outdoor living? Here you will find our DIY guides for creating: