Five gardening experts unanimously recommend a simple, natural method to stop weeds from growing between paving stones: white vinegar mixed with washing-up liquid and water. This cheap kitchen staple effectively kills weeds without harsh chemicals, making it safe for pets and children.
Expert Consensus on Vinegar Solution
Luke Newnes, garden expert at Hillarys, explains: '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.' He advises first pulling out existing weeds, roots and all, using a simple weeding tool or even an old screwdriver.
Andy McLaughlin, sales and operations director at RF Paving, recommends vinegar with an acetic acid content between 5% and 20%, mixed with washing-up liquid to help it adhere to roots. 'Simply spritz directly onto the weeds, making sure not to get any solution on any plants nearby, as the vinegar could cause them to deteriorate,' he says. For best results, apply every two weeks until weeds are gone.
Alternative Natural Methods
If vinegar is unavailable, experts suggest boiling water as another effective option. Pour it directly onto weeds, but note that it may not destroy deep roots, so repeat applications are often necessary. For stubborn weeds, salt dissolved in boiling water (one part salt to two or three parts water) can be used, but caution is needed as excessive salt can damage surrounding soil and natural stone surfaces.
Jessica Mercer, horticulturist at Plant Addicts, recommends pulling weeds after rain when roots slide out more easily. 'For tiny weeds in cracks, boiling water works well. Pour slowly so it soaks the base, and plan to repeat it on anything with a deep taproot,' she advises. She warns that concentrated vinegars can be pricey and require eye protection.
Preventing Weed Regrowth
Luke Newnes emphasises regular sweeping to prevent seeds, debris and moisture from settling in joints. 'Weeds love compacted dirt and damp joints, so keeping the surface clear gives them fewer places to anchor themselves,' he says. For block paving, topping up kiln-dried sand between bricks blocks light and prevents weed growth.
Ward Dilmore, founder of Petrus Landscaping, notes that natural weed killers work best in hot, sunny weather when plants are stressed. 'Vinegar is a great natural weed killer that is cheap, widely available, non-toxic and safe to handle,' he says. He cautions that salt-based mixes are best for areas with no surrounding plants, as salt persists in soil.
Liam Sharkey, home expert at HomeServe, adds: 'For a quick fix, boiling water poured directly onto weeds kills them on contact. It's free, easy, and perfectly safe around pets and children.'
