A comparison of two natural methods for removing patio weeds found that a homemade spray made with white vinegar, salt and washing-up liquid delivered better results than boiling water, despite both proving effective.
Homemade spray trial
In a spray bottle, 500ml of white vinegar, two tablespoons of salt, and two tablespoons of washing-up liquid were combined. All the ingredients were already available in a kitchen cupboard, so the mixture cost nothing to make.
The solution was tested on various sections of the patio. After giving the weeds a thorough coating, it was left until the following day. On returning to check the results, the weeds had withered and died, and removing them afterwards proved far easier than it would have been had they still been alive.
The homemade weed killer was effective, being both inexpensive to make and free from harsh chemicals. The mixture should be applied on a dry, sunny day to prevent rain from washing it away. Blogger Moral Fibres also advises against using it on weeds in soil, as it can make the area acidic, making it best suited to patios.
Boiling water test
Boiling water was also tested as a second natural method. A kettle was filled to maximum capacity and taken outside, with the water poured over patio weeds close to those already treated with the homemade spray. Directing the scalding water proved rather tricky, so a step back was taken before pouring.
The weeds appeared to begin shrivelling almost straight away, though the results were fully checked the following day, just as with the spray. The boiling water method undoubtedly worked, with the weeds appearing browned and withered.
The verdict
Both methods left an impression when it came to tackling weeds on the patio. The boiling water approach is more cost-effective and easy, though it would mean multiple trips indoors to re-boil the kettle for larger areas.
It was the fastest method, making it perfect for a quick solution with minimal effort. Yet, if time is on your side and the sun is shining, the homemade weed killer would be the suggested option. In view of the test, it comes out on top as it was far easier to direct the spray onto the weeds without scalding water spreading across the patio.
It also delivered slightly better results overall, as the weeds appeared more shrivelled. Once made up, the bottle goes a long way, as the entire patio was treated and a generous amount still remained.
