How to Clean a Lava Rock in a Pond

Lava rocks should be cleaned with water and vinegar.

Lava rocks are a popular landscape option for ponds. They come in a variety of sizes, look natural, blend well with surrounding and require little maintenance. They can line the bottom of your pond, disguise the filter and give fish a place to hide. While the rocks are not quickly affected by weathering elements, algae and dirt will sometimes accumulate. Clean the rocks in a way that causes no harm or damage to the rocks, the filter or the pond itself.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Water
• White vinegar
• Nylon scrub brush

Instructions

1. Pour 2 quarts of hot water and 1 cup of white vinegar into a bucket.

2. Swish your nylon scrub brush in the solution, and gently scrub the lava rocks. Scrub as needed to remove dirt, algae and mildew.

3. Rinse the rocks, then scrub a final time. Allow the rocks to air dry. Using vinegar in the water ensures no residue or film will be left behind.

Tips & Warnings

• If the rocks are exceptionally dirty, let them soak in the solution for an hour to help loosen dirt.

References

• Pond Doc: Seasonal Cleaning