How to Clean White Garden Rocks
Nothing adds beauty to a garden quite like shining, bright, white garden rocks. However, over time, dirt and other staining substances can get on the rocks and tarnish their appearance. Rather than buy new rocks, you can clean the dirty rocks and make them bright and white once more. All it takes is a few days and a few chemicals. Children should not be allowed to complete this project. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Oxalic acid (or wood bleach)
- Plastic gallon bucket
- Rubber gloves
- Goggles
- Surgical mask
- Laundry detergent
- Bleach
- Toothbrush
- Denture cleaner
- Pressure washer
- Old clothes
Instructions
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1
Rinse the rocks in water and let soak them overnight. Drain the water and take the rocks outside. Use a pressure washer to spray off any remaining dirt. Allow them to dry completely in the sun.
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2
Place the rocks in a bathtub full of water. Wear rubber gloves and old clothes. Add 1/4 cup of bleach and 1 scoop of laundry detergent. Mix together and let sit overnight. Keep pets and children away.
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3
Allow the rocks to dry. Use a toothbrush covered in denture cleaner to polish the rocks and eliminate all remaining dirt. The rocks should appear much whiter and brighter than when they were first placed into the bleach solution. If the rocks are still not white enough, move on to step 4.
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4
Take precautions when following these directions. Always wear rubber gloves, goggles and a breathing mask. Create a mixture of 3/4 gallon of water and 1 pound of oxalic crystals. Place the rocks inside the solution and fill the rest of the container with water. Set out of reach of children or pets and let sit for four to five days.
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5
Remove the rocks (while wearing the rubber gloves) and run under tap water for three to four hours. Set the rocks in a tub of water for another 24 hours, changing the water at least five times. This will remove any remaining color from the rocks.
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Tips & Warnings
You can rent pressure washers from any hardware or home supply store.
Do not use metal buckets or containers to store the acid. It will corrode the metal.
Never let children or pets near bleach or the acid. Serious injury can occur.
Never touch the oxalic acid directly with bare hands.
Always wear goggles, gloves and a mask when working with harsh chemicals.
