We have now reached the end of our blog series. The last material we will be discussing today is gravel. From the first part, we know that gravel offers flexible options and that you can freely pursue any idea. It is very quick to lay because no substructure is required. It is only recommended to use a water-permeable weed control fabric. The only disadvantage of gravel is that the ground is unstable. Here, too, nature leaves traces on the stones. We will explain to you how to clean gravel again!
What types of contamination can occur in gravel?
Different types of dirt can occur on gravel. Sand or leaves can rub off on the stones when combined with moisture . If the water doesn't drain properly, green deposits will form. Weeds and moss growth are common. Below we describe how to remove the dirt mentioned. However, it is always true that regular care saves time and prevents some types of dirt.
Remove discoloration from gravel
Weathering causes sand to get onto the gravel and collect in the gaps. After a while, the stones lose their shine and take on a dark appearance . If it's just a small amount of gravel, you can put it in a tub and clean it with a high-pressure cleaner. Under no circumstances should you use a high-pressure cleaner if the gravel is still in the garden, as the subsoil could be washed away. This will cause the ground to sink. If it's a large area, the following method is suitable: Spray the gravel with water and rake through the gravel . Some stones that remain under the leaves will still discolor, but after a while the leaves will decay. If you regularly remove the leaves and rake through the gravel, you will save yourself a lot of work and prevent discoloration. Otherwise, the only thing that helps is to shovel the gravel into a tub or container and clean it with a high-pressure cleaner.
Remove green growth from gravel
Green deposits are also caused by different weather conditions. If you pay attention to a few points when laying the stones, you can prevent them from forming . The position of the stones can play a role. Ideally, gravel should be laid in a place where there is plenty of sun . Avoid shade and damp places in the garden as much as possible, as these two factors encourage green deposits. It is also worth raking the gravel regularly , as raking means that other stones are constantly lying on top and can dry. The choice of gravel can also play a role. When choosing, make sure you choose colourfast and hard types of stone , as some types are much easier to care for. If green deposits do form, however, there are special cleaners for removing them. Most cleaners are now environmentally friendly and can be used in the garden or driveway without any problem.
Avoid weeds in gravel
As already mentioned, a water-permeable weed control fleece should be laid before laying. This saves time and work. It is important to ensure that enough fleece is laid and that the edges are well laid . If some weeds do grow through, they can be quickly removed by hand. Cleaning vinegar can also help with weeding .
We have now reached the end of the blog series and hope that we have been able to give you some tips and tricks to make your patio shine again. Good luck with the cleaning!
