Gardeners struggling with stubborn weeds may find a simple solution in their kitchen cupboard. Influencer Nancy Birtwhistle has shared a natural method using salt and boiling water that can eliminate patio weeds in just three days.
In a video on Instagram, Birtwhistle demonstrated the technique on dandelions growing between paving blocks. She poured boiling water over the weeds, then sprinkled a small amount of salt on them. After three days, the weeds were completely dead and unlikely to return for the rest of the season.
Salt works by dehydrating the plant cells, disrupting their water balance. When dissolved in water, it is more easily absorbed by the weeds, making the treatment more effective. Birtwhistle advised against using commercial weed killers, describing them as toxic and costly.
Followers praised the method, with one calling it “life-changing”. Another user reported that after using brown rock salt on a gravel drive, weeds disappeared overnight. Some found that boiling water alone was sufficient for certain weeds.
However, caution is needed: salt can damage nearby plants, so it should be applied carefully to avoid harming desired vegetation.
