What if the solution to your weed woes was hiding right in your pantry?
Discover a simple, pet-safe, and surprisingly effective weed killer that you can whip up in minutes using just three common kitchen ingredients.
Say goodbye to toxic herbicides and hello to a lush, weed-free lawn that’s safe for your entire family—including your pets.
DIY Weed Killer Solution
Nadine Maliszewski, a gardening enthusiast from Melbourne, Australia, has shared a simple yet effective DIY weed killer solution that has caught the attention of fellow gardeners and pet owners alike.
Her method, which uses readily available household items, promises to banish weeds in less than 24 hours without posing a risk to children or pets.(ref)
The Recipe
Nadine’s weed killer consists of:
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of washing-up liquid (dish soap)
- 14 ounces (400 ml) of white vinegar
These ingredients are combined in a spray bottle, shaken well, and then sprayed directly onto the unwanted weeds.
How It Works
Each ingredient in Nadine’s weed killer plays a key role in the breakdown and ultimate demise of unwanted plants.
Vinegar
This common household staple harbors a secret weapon against weeds: acetic acid. This natural acid acts as a contact herbicide, rapidly breaking down cell walls and dehydrating plant tissue upon contact.
Research by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has confirmed vinegar’s effectiveness, showing that even a 5% concentration (typical of household vinegar) can kill young weeds, while higher concentrations offer even greater control.(ref)
This potent action makes vinegar a key component in Nadine’s DIY weed killer, quickly burning and wilting unwanted plants.
Salt
Salt further dehydrates the plant and disrupts its internal processes.(ref) By absorbing water from the plant’s cells, salt creates an osmotic imbalance that interferes with the plant’s ability to function and survive.
Dish Soap
The dish soap acts as a surfactant, helping the solution spread evenly and stick to the leaves by ensuring better coverage and absorption.(ref) This enhances the effectiveness of both the vinegar and salt by maximizing their contact with the plant’s tissues.
In her TikTok video, Nadine’s before-and-after photos showcase the effectiveness of this simple concoction. Within 20 hours, the vibrant green weeds had turned brown and withered, demonstrating the solution’s rapid action.
When & How to Apply
Timing and technique are key to maximizing the effectiveness of your homemade weed killer:
When to Apply
- Sunny Days: Choose a sunny, calm day for application. Sunlight enhances the drying and burning action of vinegar. Avoid windy conditions to prevent the solution from drifting onto desirable plants.
- Young Weeds: Target young, actively growing weeds for best results. They are more susceptible to the solution than mature, established plants.
- Morning Application: Spray in the morning to allow the solution to work throughout the day. Avoid applying in the evening or before rain, as this can dilute the mixture and reduce its effectiveness.
How to Apply
- Preparation: Combine the ingredients (1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon dish soap, 14 ounces (400 ml) white vinegar) in a spray bottle and shake well to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
- Targeted Spraying: Focus the spray directly onto the leaves and stems of the weeds you want to eliminate. Avoid spraying desirable plants nearby, as the vinegar can harm them.
- Saturation: Thoroughly saturate the leaves and stems of the weeds, ensuring complete coverage. The dish soap in the mixture will help the solution adhere to the plant surfaces.
- Re-application: If necessary, reapply the solution every few days until the weeds wither and die. Some stubborn weeds may require multiple applications.
Safety First
Nadine emphasizes that this solution is safe for pets and children. While the vinegar and salt may cause minor irritation if ingested in large quantities, the concentration used in this mixture is unlikely to pose any serious risks.
Protect yourself by wearing gloves and eye protection when handling and spraying the solution. You can also cover nearby plants with cardboard or plastic to shield them from overspray. While this solution is generally safe for occasional use, be mindful of the potential impact of vinegar on soil pH. Consider testing your soil periodically and adding amendments if needed.
However, it’s always a good practice to keep pets and children away from the treated area until the solution has dried completely.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.