Cleaning Landscape Rock for Reuse

After removing shrubs and weed barrier, a homeowner has dirty rock mixed with soil, debris, and mulch. Sifting with a screen door frame and a drilled bucket failed to adequately clean the rock.

Effective Cleaning Method

Use a solid bucket (no drainage holes) with a strong hose stream:

1. Fill bucket with rock
2. Run water at high pressure while stirring with a stick
3. Allow overflow to carry away floating debris
4. Continue until water runs clear

Why This Works

Organic debris (mulch, soil particles, leaf fragments) floats while clean rock sinks. The overflow method separates by density without losing rock through drainage holes. For large quantities, work in batches.

Post-Cleaning

Spread cleaned rock to dry before reinstalling. Consider fresh weed barrier if the old one degraded.