Cleaning dry rock... middle of winter

Be102 · Dec 25, 2019

So I ordered some 50 lbs or so base rock off of amazon and I want to wash it / get as much dust off.. only problem is I can’t power wash it as it’s 10* outside!

I heard buckets / power head can work but won’t be as effective...

I can soak it if that helps but prob won’t

Any ideas? I would just clean it in my bath tub or something but it has little pieces breaking off I don’t want to go down the drain.. need help / ideas!

BeltedCoyote · Dec 25, 2019

Right there with you. Bump for some good ideas

SDK · Dec 25, 2019

I’ve used the shower in winter. It’s especially effective if you have a massage head that you can bring down low.

An understanding wife is of course a requirement for this method...

Be102 · Dec 25, 2019

SDK said:
I’ve used the shower in winter. It’s especially effective if you have a massage head that you can bring down low.

An understanding wife is of course a requirement for this method...

Kitchen sink when no one is home might be the answer

Ippyroy · Dec 25, 2019

Any carwashes still open in your area? The ones around me are closed, but after asking and explaining what I wanted to do, they opened one up.

Be102 · Dec 25, 2019

Ippyroy said:
Any carwashes still open in your area? The ones around me are closed, but after asking and explaining what I wanted to do, they opened one up.

I could always bring it down to one of the diy spray booths. lol might need to avoid getting the soaps and whatnot on them!

Ippyroy · Dec 25, 2019

Be102 said:
I could always bring it down to one of the diy spray booths. lol might need to avoid getting the soaps and whatnot on them!

I just ran the nozzle on water for a few to clean them out. And I didn't leave the rocks on the ground, carwashes are filthy.

Mikedawg · Dec 25, 2019

Be102 said:
So I ordered some 50 lbs or so base rock off of amazon and I want to wash it / get as much dust off.. only problem is I can’t power wash it as it’s 10* outside!

I heard buckets / power head can work but won’t be as effective...

I can soak it if that helps but prob won’t

Any ideas? I would just clean it in my bath tub or something but it has little pieces breaking off I don’t want to go down the drain.. need help / ideas!

Don't think you need to power wash to get rid of dust/dirt created during manufacturing. Rinsing in sink, tub or swirling in a bucket should be sufficient IMHO.

Hulgarth · Dec 25, 2019

Be102 said:
So I ordered some 50 lbs or so base rock off of amazon and I want to wash it / get as much dust off.. only problem is I can’t power wash it as it’s 10* outside!

I heard buckets / power head can work but won’t be as effective...

I can soak it if that helps but prob won’t

Any ideas? I would just clean it in my bath tub or something but it has little pieces breaking off I don’t want to go down the drain.. need help / ideas!

You can get adapters for your sink taps and rig up a hose for warm water. They are real cheap

Be102 · Dec 25, 2019

All great ideas thanks everyone...

next question is regarding breaking the rock... should I use like a mallet with a towel over it whilst wet? Help from shattering?

any ideal tools to say carve out holes in the rock? lol Home Depot didn’t have any ice pics or anything I was maybe thinking a sharp screw driver and hammer and sort of chisel it out?

Hulgarth · Dec 25, 2019

Be102 said:
All great ideas thanks everyone...

next question is regarding breaking the rock... should I use like a mallet with a towel over it whilst wet? Help from shattering?

any ideal tools to say carve out holes in the rock? lol Home Depot didn’t have any ice pics or anything I was maybe thinking a sharp screw driver and hammer and sort of chisel it out?

You would be best to use a Masonry bit of some form. They are really hard and cut more like a chisel. there is specialty tools for rockwork that make life much easier.

Be102 · Dec 25, 2019

Hulgarth said:
You would be best to use a Masonry bit of some form. They are really hard and cut more like a chisel. there is specialty tools for rockwork that make life much easier.

Any recommendations off of like homedepot or amazon? I have a regular drill nothing to fancy but that should be fine!

Hulgarth · Dec 25, 2019

Be102 said:
Any recommendations off of like homedepot or amazon? I have a regular drill nothing to fancy but that should be fine!

Bolsters & Cold Chisels | Bolster Chisel | Screwfix

Buy Bolsters & cold chisels at screwfix.com. Strong bevelled blade to cut through hard materials, which can withstand strong hammer blows. Choose from top trade brands.

www.screwfix.com

Something like this but they come in all shapes are sizes. you will want a fairly large mallet for them though but a hammer might work too.

The drill bits will be under their own section but you really need a percussion drill i think. they don't really drill as i understand it but act more like a really fast chisel and chip away. if you want to do a lot it would be worth renting a nice heavy tool from a local tool shop. If you tell them your plan they will walk you through it and it should not be much or 30-40 dollars a day

Ippyroy · Dec 25, 2019

Be102 said:
Any recommendations off of like homedepot or amazon? I have a regular drill nothing to fancy but that should be fine!

I used a hammer drill for drilling the holes. I also had some old chisels lying around that I used to make smaller rocks and caves. I large hand saw would also work, but you will destroy it.