Here's How To Bring White Pea Gravel Back To Its Original Brilliance
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White pea gravel is undeniably gorgeous in a garden. Whether you use it as part of a clever driveway layout to boost curb appeal, spread it in shady areas, or line a pathway to add elegant drama, pea gravel is versatile and charming. While white stones are striking, they're also far more prone to looking dirty and drab than other colors. The good news is that you can restore your pea gravel to its former pale brilliance using dish soap, vinegar, or bleach, all of which are likely in your kitchen right now.
Cleaning and maintenance requirements may vary according to the different uses of pea gravel and crushed stone in your yard. White gravel walkways that are subjected to high levels of foot traffic are likely to look muddy far quicker than the gravel in a raised flower bed or a succulent garden with less regular watering.
A light clean should be all that's required to make pea gravel white again in low traffic areas. Start by removing loose debris, either by raking or using a Black and Decker Electric Leaf Blower. Use a garden hose to rinse down the gravel, working systematically from one side. Mix some soap and water and scrub the gravel using a stiff brush. If you prefer using natural ingredients, switch out the soap with vinegar for a surprisingly effective solution. Rinse again, avoiding the temptation to use a high pressure washer on gravel surfaces, as pressure washing sends stones flying, causing injuries and damage to the gravel or your property.
When a soap or vinegar clean doesn't do the job
If your stones still look gray after the initial wash, it may be time for a deep clean. You'll need a wheelbarrow, a tarp or two, and some regular household bleach. Line the wheelbarrow with a tarp and scoop the pea gravel into it. Sieve it through a mesh cloth to remove any loose debris or plant matter.
Mix bleach and water at a ratio of a quarter cup of bleach to 20 liters of water. Pour the water and bleach mix over the stones in the wheelbarrow, aiming to cover all of them. Cover the wheelbarrow with the second tarp to prevent pets from drinking the water, or rain diluting the mix, and leave it to stand for 24 hours. Once the time is up, pour the bleach back into the bucket and tip the stones back into the garden. You should see the difference immediately.
Regularly performing simple maintenance tasks goes a long way to maintaining your gravel driveway, path, or walkway. Remove plant debris regularly using a leaf blower on a gentle setting. Use a Jardineer Heavy Duty Bow Rake to flatten out the gravel and fill in any holes. If you don't have a gravel rake, flip a normal rake over and use the back of it. Be diligent about removing any weeds as soon as they appear. It's helpful to apply a fresh layer of new pea gravel four years.