A homemade weed killer made from white vinegar, salt and washing-up liquid proved more effective than boiling water in a direct patio test, leaving weeds shrivelled and dead within 24 hours.
Weeds remain a persistent nuisance in gardens year-round, cropping up in patio gaps and cracks even during the colder months, proving that tackling them is far from just a summertime chore. While many gardeners reach for shop-bought weed killers, these products often contain aggressive chemicals and can put a dent in your wallet.
With weeds taking over her garden this year, journalist Mia O'Hare used the chance to pit two popular natural remedies against each other. The results were surprising, leaving her with a dependable, chemical-free solution – though one method clearly outshone the other.
Homemade weed killer test
In a spray bottle, O'Hare mixed 500ml of white vinegar, two tablespoons of salt, and two tablespoons of washing-up liquid. As all the ingredients were already in her kitchen cupboard, and with a spare spray bottle to hand, the whole test cost her absolutely nothing.
She chose to test various patches of her patio, giving the weeds a generous drenching before leaving the solution to work overnight. Returning the following day, she was genuinely taken aback to discover the weeds had shrivelled and died. Clearing them away afterwards was considerably easier than it would have been had they still been alive.
The homemade weed killer proved highly effective, being both budget-friendly and free from harsh chemicals. For best results, apply the mixture on a dry, sunny day to stop rainfall from washing it away. Blogger Moral Fibres also cautions against applying it to weeds in soil, as it can increase acidity levels, making it more appropriate for use on patios.
Boiling water approach
O'Hare also tested another well-known natural approach: boiling water. She filled her kettle to its maximum level before heading outdoors, then poured the boiling water over the patio weeds near those she had already treated with the homemade solution. Attempting to aim the scalding water proved quite challenging, so she took a step back while pouring.
The weeds seemed to start wilting almost immediately, though she chose to come back the next day to properly assess the outcome, just as she had done with the spray. The boiling water technique definitely proved effective, with the weeds looking browned and shrivelled.
The verdict
Both approaches left O'Hare thoroughly impressed when it came to dealing with weeds on her patio. The boiling water option is more budget-friendly and straightforward, though it would require several trips back inside to re-boil the kettle for bigger spaces. It proved the quickest technique, making it ideal if you need a speedy fix with little fuss.
However, if you have time to spare and sunny conditions, she recommends going for the homemade weed killer. In her opinion, it proved better as directing the spray onto the weeds was considerably simpler without boiling water splashing across the paving. The results were also slightly more impressive, with the weeds looking noticeably more withered. After mixing, the bottle offers excellent value, as she has covered her whole patio and there is still plenty left over.
