How to Remove Berry Stains from Flagstone

Whether it’s wildlife leaving a mess on your patio or the remains of a family picnic, berry stains can be troublesome. This solution effectively removes berry stains from flagstone. When stains are old and/or plentiful, it may take quite a bit of scrubbing to remove them completely.

• Washing Soda
• Soft bristled brush
• Water
• Bucket

1. Begin by rinsing the area with water. Try to remove as much of the berry remains and juice as possible with the plain water. Boiling water can also be used. (See additional tips for more information.)
2. Mix a medium to strong solution of washing soda and warm water in the bucket. If the berry stains are old or dark, use more washing soda.
3. Pour some of the solution on the stain. If there are plants nearby, dip the brush in the bucket instead. This solution can harm plants, so avoid allowing the runoff with excess soap to reach plants of importance.
4. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub the stains. Add more solution as needed.
5. Once the stains are removed, rinse the area completely with cool water.

• Flagstone generally does not need to be sealed, but if the berry problem persists, a sealant may make cleaning the mess easier.
• An alternative cleaning method is to pour boiling water over the stains. This will often fade the stains a great deal, if not get rid of them completely. Use extreme caution when pouring as the hot water may splash when it hits the stone.