Here is a follow-up for an almost organic weed-killer spray. Make sure to thoroughly spray the weeds. Kills the top growth of weeds on first application (depending on variety) – but like plain vinegar, this spray never makes its way to the roots, so perennial weeds often regrow and need repeat treatments.
It’s a good solution for weeds sprouting in driveways or between patio pavers, but go easy on the salt: it can build up in soil and harm nearby plants, earthworms, and soil microbes, so avoid using this recipe near garden beds or plants you want to keep.
“The Dawn dish soap strips the weed of its protective oils so the vinegar can work with deadly force. Safe to use a yard used by pets” via The Homestead Survival.
Two Weed Killers
Both “weed killing” recipes use Vinegar, salt, and dish soap – but with slight variations.
The first recipe comes from The Homestead Survival.
- 1/4 cup table salt
- 1/2 gallon of Apple Cider Vinegar – White vinegar works too!
- 1/2 teaspoon Dawn liquid dish soap
- Mix and pour into a spray bottle
Spray weeds thoroughly. From my experience, this mixture will also kill the grass. The dish soap makes the mixture “cover” the leaf to provide a good “kill.” Pet Safe!
The second recipe comes from Full Of Great Ideas.
Much like the recipe above with a slight variation.
- spray bottle
- Pickling vinegar (works better than regular vinegar because the acetic acid % is higher)
- 1/2 cup salt salt
- Dish soap… just a squeeze
This is not a replacement for thick, heavy weeds but works well for light treatments.
Image: source