Rock salt

What is rock salt?

Rock salt is naturally extracted sodium chloride (NaCl) that is mined underground in salt mines, often at depths of hundreds of metres, where it was deposited millions of years ago by evaporated prehistoric seas. Unlike vacuum salt (evaporation salt), rock salt is mechanically broken and sieved, not chemically refined. As a result, it has a white to light grey hue and contains small amounts of natural minerals.

Rock salt or weed salt? What you need to know

Online, our rock salt is often referred to as 'weed salt'. A logical name, as the cleaning effect on dirty paving is very effective. However, rock salt is a basic substance: it is not a compound, but pure and exclusively sodium chloride (NaCl). Because a weed control agent must by law consist of multiple substances, the Ctgb (Board for the Authorisation of Plant Protection Products and Biocides) cannot issue an authorisation number for rock salt.

We therefore offer rock salt exclusively as a cleaning agent for your paving, terrace, driveway or gravel path.

Why a coarser granule makes the difference

Not all salt is the same. Our rock salt is extracted at a depth of approximately 500 metres by means of mining. Due to this great depth, our rock salt has a hard granule and that is essential for the correct and effective performance.

Rock salt is available at Nederlandse Zouthandel in two variants:

Fine rock salt: granules of approximately 0.4–1.4 mm. Dissolves faster and is ideal for cleaning narrow joints between tiles and cobblestones.

Coarse rock salt: granules of approximately 1.5–3.2 mm. Works more slowly and gradually and is therefore highly suitable for gravel paths, driveways and areas where a long-lasting result is desired.

Unlike other types of salt that dissolve and wash away after a single rainfall, our coarse granule dissolves slowly and gradually. This provides a long-lasting, deep-acting cleaning of your paving or gravel path. You therefore need to apply it less frequently and enjoy a beautifully clean and well-maintained result for much longer. With our rock salt, you choose quality and superior, long-lasting performance.

What do you use rock salt for?

By far the most common application of our rock salt is cleaning and maintaining paving. The coarse granules gradually work into deposits and dirt in joints and on tiles, so that your outdoor space looks well-maintained again. Suitable for:

• Terrace tiles and paving slabs
• Cobblestones, street stones and other paving
• Gravel paths and driveways
• Areas along fences where dirt accumulates

How much rock salt do I need for my paving?

For cleaning hard surfaces, allow an average of 150 to 300 grams of rock salt per square metre, depending on the degree of soiling and the type of surface.

A calculation example:

• Terrace of 30 m²: approximately 4.5 to 9 kg of rock salt
• Gravel path of 50 m²: approximately 7.5 to 15 kg of rock salt
• Driveway of 80 m²: approximately 12 to 24 kg of rock salt per treatment

Tip: for stubborn deposits, a second treatment after a few weeks is more effective than applying double the amount in one go.

How to use rock salt

For the best result, follow these steps:

• Spread on a dry day. Immediately after spreading, the salt washes away in rain before it can take effect.
• Spread the granules directly into the joints and onto the tiles to be cleaned. Use fine rock salt for narrow joints and coarse rock salt for gravel paths and wider joints.
• Sweep away excess granules from the tiles and ensure a thin, even coverage.
• Let nature do the rest. The coarse granule allows the salt to work slowly and gradually for a deep-acting result.
• A maintenance treatment in spring and autumn is the perfect basis. Repeat as needed in areas where soiling is persistent.