80p patio weed killer 'kills in 48 hours' - and you need 3 items (original) (raw)

Weeds grow on patios for a number of reasons, and they are extremely persistent and can take a while to get rid of - but according to the experts, this 'eco-friendly' solution can help

Weeds growing up through bricks in a garden

Patio weeds can be a real nuisance. They not only spoil the aesthetics of a garden, but they can also become slippery, particularly during the winter months.

Weeds sprout on patios for various reasons and they are notoriously stubborn, often taking some time to eradicate. However, the experts at The Plastic Centre have revealed an "eco-friendly DIY weed killer", reports the Express.

They stated: "Armed with the right tips, you can tackle those pesky weeds in a way that's both effective and eco-friendly. This DIY weed killer, which costs less than 80p a litre to make, requires just a few household items, namely distilled vinegar, cooking salt and washing up liquid.

"Of course, you'll need a pressurised sprayer for proper application but this recipe is wonderfully scalable."

For a small batch, simply combine 500ml of vinegar with 30ml of cooking salt and a tablespoon of washing-up liquid. Once combined, give the mixture a good shake to ensure it is thoroughly mixed and will be effective.

The pros further added: "The best time to deploy this solution is on a hot and dry day to maximise its effectiveness. After application, the weeds should start to wilt within 24 hours and be completely dried out within 48 hours.

"This simple, quick-acting formula not only keeps your garden looking pristine but also avoids the environmental and financial costs associated with commercial weed killers."

The acetic acid in the vinegar targets weeds at the roots, while the salt helps to dehydrate them. Gardeners are warned to avoid using this concoction on or near their cherished plants and lawns as it will destroy them.

Another budget-friendly trick is utilising baking soda to eliminate weeds. It can be applied directly or mixed with water. For direct application, after moistening the weeds with water, sprinkle approximately one tablespoon of baking soda on each weed.

For spraying, combine roughly 10 tablespoons of baking soda with a gallon of water, ensuring to shake it until it dissolves into the mixture. Ensure to apply the mixture on a day when rain isn't predicted and observe as the weeds wither away.