If weeds are taking over your garden, using just one common household item can kill them in just a few hours - and it costs around 7p to completely eliminate the problem. Boiling water, often called the 'most underrated weed killer,' works by melting the waxy protective layer on leaves and scorching the foliage, causing the plant to dry out and die.
How to Use Boiling Water for Weeds
Simply boil a full kettle of water and pour it directly onto the problem weeds, especially those growing in cracks between bricks or concrete. A full kettle uses about 7p worth of energy to boil, making it an incredibly cheap solution. For smaller areas, a half-full kettle costs even less.
In a viral Instagram video, a homeowner demonstrated that this method killed patio weeds within eight hours. They wrote: 'I was today years old when I learned that boiling water kills weeds. Seems so obvious after the fact... Suggested use on weeds between bricks or in cracks of concrete - it'll kill just about anything you pour it on.'
Important Precautions
Boiling water should never be used on flowerbeds, pots, or anywhere you have plants you wish to preserve, as it will destroy all vegetation it contacts. If weeds persist, you can follow up with chemical weed killer sprays after the water has dried, since the protective layer that repels sprays will have been removed.
Alternative Weed Control Methods
Manual Removal
- Pull by hand: Uproot weeds, ensuring you remove the entire root system, especially for perennial weeds.
- Hoeing: Use a hoe to sever weeds at the soil surface. Best done when the soil is dry.
Mulching
- Organic mulch: Apply a two to four-inch layer of wood chips, straw, or leaves around plants to block sunlight.
- Landscape fabric: Place fabric under mulch for extra protection.
Chemical Control
- Selective herbicides: Target specific types of weeds (e.g., broadleaf or grassy).
- Non-selective herbicides: Kill all vegetation. Use carefully to avoid harming desired plants.
- Pre-emergent herbicides: Prevent weed seeds from germinating.
Natural Solutions
- Vinegar: Household vinegar can burn young weeds. Stronger horticultural vinegar is more effective, but use caution.
- Salt: Use sparingly, only in areas where you don't want anything to grow, as salt can harm soil health.
Boiling water offers a quick, cheap, and effective way to tackle weeds without harsh chemicals, provided you use it carefully in the right locations.
