A homemade weed killer made from white vinegar, salt and washing-up liquid proved more effective than boiling water in a hands-on test on patio weeds.
The mixture, applied with a spray bottle, left weeds shrivelled and dead by the next day, making them easier to pull out. The boiling water method also worked, but the spray delivered slightly better results and was easier to direct.
Homemade weed killer test
The spray was made by mixing 500ml of white vinegar, two tablespoons of salt and two tablespoons of washing-up liquid. All the ingredients were already in the kitchen cupboard, so the process cost nothing.
After a generous application to weeds in different areas of the patio, the solution was left to work until the next day. When inspected, the weeds had shrivelled and died, and pulling them out was considerably easier than it would have been while they were still alive.
The homemade weed killer delivered excellent results, being both affordable to create and free from harsh chemicals. It is best applied during dry, sunny conditions to avoid rainfall washing it away.
Boiling water approach
The boiling water technique involved filling a kettle to maximum capacity and pouring the scalding water over patio weeds near those already treated with the spray. Aiming the water proved quite challenging, so a step back was taken before pouring.
The weeds seemed to start wilting almost immediately, though the results were properly assessed the next day. The boiling water technique delivered, with the weeds looking browned and shrivelled.
Verdict on both methods
Both approaches left the tester impressed when dealing with patio weeds. The boiling water method is more economical and straightforward, though it would require several trips indoors to re-boil the kettle for larger spaces.
It proved the quickest technique, making it ideal for a quick solution with minimum fuss. However, the homemade weed killer is recommended if time is available and the weather is sunny.
It emerged as the best option because it proved considerably easier to direct the spray onto the weeds without scalding water spreading across the patio. It also produced slightly better results overall, as the weeds looked more withered. Once prepared, the bottle lasts a considerable time, with the entire patio treated and a substantial amount left over.
