Yellow stoning

katex · 07-07-2006, 20:22

Sure if I search the archives of Accyweb will be a thread on this art of cleaning your doorsteps and the edge of the pavement with either a yellow or white stone that could be obtained from the local gypsy society in exchange for buying their pegs. Everybody took a little pride in making the flags outside their houses look good then, didn't they ? Sorta' competition. Now, it's an attitude of 'belongs to the Council, so why should I bother'

That was only to grab yer attention though.

Still trying to get my little garden into shape and become a little less like the core of the Brazilian jungle or a 'Day spent with the Triffids'

Thought I might just try and get the steps brighter, but had run out of Patio cleaner .. colleague at work says bleach works wonders .. unfortunately, never really bought bleach 'cause has memories with people trying to cover up smells they would rather be without.

Then remembered the Soda Crystals ? Lady in my street used these and she had the brightest flags in William Street ... put them out and waited until it rained (course not long wait like). Are they still available and still, possibly legal? Any other suggestions to get patio steps cleaner .. please not power washing, too much like hard work.

K.S.H · 07-07-2006, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by katex

please not power washing, too much like hard work.

Sorry but i'm gonna say power washing

But pay someone to do it

nothing easier than that

Margaret Pilkington · 07-07-2006, 20:31

Yes, Katex...you can get Soda Crystals......Home and bargain....59 pence a bag.....good for all kinds of cleaning......removes stubborn grease from cookers and utensils....makes your washing powder work better...although check first that your washer drum is not aluminium. good for cleaning soap scum off baths and shower panels too........I use it to remove gunge from the sink pipes...you know the build up of soap residue and conditioner that stips the water running down the hole speedily. You can also get liquid soda crystals ....more expensive and thet are just the same thing except in fluid form. See I'm a mine of useless information

katex · 07-07-2006, 20:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by K.S.H

Sorry but i'm gonna say power washing

But pay someone to do it

nothing easier than that

OK K>s>H .. (those bloody dots of yours, never hit the Cap lock

)

Probably not much more than hiring one and finding the time to do it, and power washing the paint off the car at the same time . will look at the ads. cheers xx

Margaret Pilkington · 07-07-2006, 20:34

And we used to get our 'donkey stones' off the rag and bone man....so you can tell how many years ago that was. I think there is still a place in Skipton that you can buy them.

katex · 07-07-2006, 20:35

Hey, yes, this too Margaret some of the old remedies the best, aren't they?

Definintely got two good options now. ta very much.

Bet many of these fancy cleaners have the basis of these chemicals anyway, with the addition of fancy smells, fancy spray bottles and smells more pleasing to the nostrils

Margaret Pilkington · 07-07-2006, 20:37

Yes definitely......wet your flag or steps before you put them down....at least with crystals you won't go A over T as they won't be slippery.

katex · 07-07-2006, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margaret Pilkington

Yes definitely......wet your flag or steps before you put them down....at least with crystals you won't go A over T as they won't be slippery.

Remember them being slippery and loved walking through them to hear the crunch under my shoes, bet they used to rot the soles though .. leather in those days, of course.

Maybe would get sued now if out on the public pavement.

grannyclaret · 07-07-2006, 21:29

soda crystals are brilliant,,,for paths,,especialy if they are going green..

junetta · 08-07-2006, 00:58

I'd forgotten all about donkey stones. My Nana used to send me out to the rag and bone man for them. Mop the step and the pavement and then draw a nice yellow line. I don't suppose it happens now.

I had to get 'dolly blue' too, which went into the boiler and made all the whites, whiter than white!

Thank you for reminding me............a little chuckle before bed!

yerself · 08-07-2006, 04:39

For all you ladies 'of a certain age'. Have a read at this:
http://www.howlingdog.pwp.blueyonder...key_stones.htm

steeljack · 08-07-2006, 05:36

great link in previous post by yerself just curious to know if donkey stoning the front step was limited to Lancashire and maybe yorkshire , wonder how far south/north the custom was practised . Anyone know if the cockneys/brummies/geordies and those north of the border ever used them ?
one of my Grandmas favourite sayings ........."yons a dirty ****** , bloody idle to do her step"
re. Junettas reference to "dolly blue" ..... brings to mind the old copper boiler and the tin bath hanging up on the backyard wall and tippler toilets