Garden experts have unanimously recommended a simple, natural homemade solution to tackle patio weeds this summer: a mixture of white vinegar, washing-up liquid, and water. This non-chemical approach is both economical and effective, with specialists suggesting it can make weeds wilt within hours when applied on a sunny day.
The Vinegar Solution
Luke Newnes, garden expert at Hillarys, advises starting by pulling out existing weeds, ensuring the whole root is removed, especially for dandelions and plantain. Then, he suggests: "Use a natural weed killer you probably already own. One of my favourite tricks is a mix of white vinegar, a little washing-up liquid and water. Spray it directly onto weeds on a dry, sunny day. The sun helps it work faster, and you'll usually see them wilt within hours."
Andy McLaughlin, sales and operations director at RF Paving, echoes this method, recommending vinegar with an acetic acid content between 5% and 20% mixed with washing-up liquid to help it adhere to weed roots. He advises spraying directly onto weeds, avoiding nearby plants, and repeating the treatment every two weeks for complete eradication.
Alternative Methods
For those without vinegar, boiling water poured directly onto weeds can kill them on contact. However, this method is ineffective at destroying root systems, so weeds may reappear. For persistent weeds, a salt solution—one part table salt to two or three parts water—can be used, but caution is needed as salt can damage soil and paving.
Jessica Mercer, horticulturist at Plant Addicts, suggests pulling small weeds after rain when roots slide out easily, and using boiling water for weeds in cracks. She warns that concentrated vinegars should be applied with eye protection and kept away from garden plants.
Prevention Tips
To prevent weeds from returning, experts recommend regular sweeping to keep surfaces clear of seeds and debris, and re-sanding block paving joints with kiln-dried sand to block light and discourage growth. These simple steps can significantly reduce weed recurrence long term.
