The best thing you can do for your lawns and the environment is to kill weeds naturally. RoundUp and similar products contain harsh chemicals that are extremely hazardous to your soil. They are, nevertheless, extremely effective and destroy weeds in a matter of hours.

Most people have heard that vinegar may successfully eradicate weeds, but finding the appropriate ratio or formula is crucial. Here’s a tried-and-true method for making your own natural vinegar-based weed killer use in your own garden.

In this blog, we show our most effective vinegar weed killer recipe to date and then how to use it for the best results.

Is vinegar a natural weed killer

If you’re looking for a pet-friendly weed killer, vinegar may be a great option. Vinegar is a natural weed killer that is safe for pets and children. It’s also non-toxic and environmentally friendly.

Vinegar works by killing the plants’ roots, so it’s important to direct the spray onto the plants’ leaves. You should also avoid using it on windy days, as the vinegar can drift and damage other plants. In addition, vinegar is most effective on young weeds that have not yet flowered. If you’re dealing with mature weeds, you may need to reapply the vinegar several times before they die off.

For best results, use a vinegar solution with a concentration of at least 20%.

Vinegar weed killer recipe - how its made and applied
Vinegar weed killer recipe – how its made and applied

Does vinegar weed killer work?

Vinegar has long been touted as an effective weed killer. And for good reason – vinegar is a natural herbicide that can kill even the most stubborn of weeds. But does it really work? The answer is yes…and no.

Vinegar is effective at killing weeds as it is an acidic substance, but it is also non-selective, meaning it will kill any plant it comes into contact with. This includes not only weeds but also desirable plants and grasses. As a result, vinegar should be used with caution and only applied to areas where weeds are present.

When used properly, vinegar can be an effective way to control weeds in the garden. But beware – too much vinegar can cause problems of its own!

How it works

Our effective white vinegar weed killer recipe comprises just three elements/

Vinegar. Acetic acid is the active ingredient in vinegar. The acetic acid content of household vinegar is approximately 5% which is the minimum strength available. Acetic acid is a desiccant, which means it drains moisture from the leaves and kills the top growth when sprayed on the surface of a plant. It’s most effective on little or young weeds, and it easily destroys the tops.

Dandelions and other tap-rooted plants usually survive being sprayed with vinegar. Acetic acid degrades quickly in the soil, and vinegar’s detrimental effects on the soil are only temporary. A stray drop of vinegar on an attractive nearby plant will brown it but not kill it.

Salt. Desiccants include sodium chloride, widely known as table salt. Salt is used in weed-killer recipes because it is more powerful and can kill plants that vinegar cannot. It has a lengthier harmful influence on the soil than vinegar, and it may also injure the roots of other surrounding plants. You can use either rock salt or table salt.

Soap. Soap is a “surfactant,” which means it helps vinegar or salt spread through weed leaves. Because it can break down the protective waxy coats of some leaves, it can also boost desiccant absorption. Best to acquire this in liquid form in order that it dissolves into the vinegar mix.

Filling a knapsack to cover a large area with a mixed weed killer solution - vinegar weed  killer recipe
Filling a knapsack to cover a large area with a mixed weed-killer solution

How can I make my own weed killer?

The following recipe will make a gallon of vinegar weed killer. This is equal to 4.5 litres and just requires three elements.

  • 1 gallon of white vinegar (min. 5% concentration)
  • 1/2 cup of salt (table or rock salt)
  • 1 Tablespoon of Dish Soap (any brand will do)

Instructions for mixing:

  1. Combine the vinegar, salt, and dish soap in the spray bottle.
  2. Stir well to ensure the salt is dissolved.
  3. Spray the solution directly on weeds, making sure to get the leaves and stems.
  4. The weeds will die within a few days. Reapply the spray if it rains or the weeds start to grow back.

Likewise, the table below provides the opportunity to purchase the required components:

Main feature
5% Strength
20% Strength
30% Strength
Twin Pack
Liquid Form
Product
WeedKil Fast Acting Weed Killer 5L - Harmless To Children & Pets Once Dry | Glyphosate Free Weed Killer Extra Strong, All Year Round | Effective Within 24 Hours.
20% All Purpose Eco Vinegar - Organic compound Home & Garden - Biodegradable - Artificial Grass (5 Litre)
Weedi 30% All Purpose Eco Bio Vinegar Organic Compound - Biodegradable Home & Garden 5 Litre
Tidmans Rock Salt 500g (Pack of 2)
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap - 16 oz - Lemon Verbena
Product Name
WeedKil Fast Acting Weed Killer 5L - Harmless To Children & Pets Once Dry | Glyphosate Free Weed Killer Extra Strong, All Year Round | Effective Within 24 Hours.
20% All Purpose Eco Vinegar - Organic compound Home & Garden - Biodegradable - Artificial Grass (5 Litre)
Weedi 30% All Purpose Eco Bio Vinegar Organic Compound - Biodegradable Home & Garden 5 Litre
Tidmans Rock Salt 500g (Pack of 2)
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap - 16 oz - Lemon Verbena
Price
ÂŁ28.99
ÂŁ25.99
ÂŁ29.99
ÂŁ4.66
ÂŁ15.91
Main feature
5% Strength
Product
WeedKil Fast Acting Weed Killer 5L - Harmless To Children & Pets Once Dry | Glyphosate Free Weed Killer Extra Strong, All Year Round | Effective Within 24 Hours.
Product Name
WeedKil Fast Acting Weed Killer 5L - Harmless To Children & Pets Once Dry | Glyphosate Free Weed Killer Extra Strong, All Year Round | Effective Within 24 Hours.
Price
ÂŁ28.99
Buy Now
Main feature
20% Strength
Product
20% All Purpose Eco Vinegar - Organic compound Home & Garden - Biodegradable - Artificial Grass (5 Litre)
Product Name
20% All Purpose Eco Vinegar - Organic compound Home & Garden - Biodegradable - Artificial Grass (5 Litre)
Price
ÂŁ25.99
Buy Now
Main feature
30% Strength
Product
Weedi 30% All Purpose Eco Bio Vinegar Organic Compound - Biodegradable Home & Garden 5 Litre
Product Name
Weedi 30% All Purpose Eco Bio Vinegar Organic Compound - Biodegradable Home & Garden 5 Litre
Price
ÂŁ29.99
Buy Now
Main feature
Twin Pack
Product
Tidmans Rock Salt 500g (Pack of 2)
Product Name
Tidmans Rock Salt 500g (Pack of 2)
Price
ÂŁ4.66
Buy Now
Main feature
Liquid Form
Product
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap - 16 oz - Lemon Verbena
Product Name
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap - 16 oz - Lemon Verbena
Price
ÂŁ15.91
Buy Now

Application and use of the vinegar weed killer

This weed-killer recipe is “nonselective,” which means it will kill any plant it comes into contact with. On a dry, sunny day, thoroughly spray cover all surfaces of the weed with the solution. Plants that have been drenched in this solution will perish in a week.

The use of a pressure sprayer will help to apply the weed killer.

It is vital to remember that any chemical or compound plant killer, in large amounts, will be hazardous to organisms other than the plant. Small mammals are poisoned by a solution of salt and vinegar. It can also harm the soil microbiota, so be careful not to dump the mixture directly on the ground.

If you’re spraying a large solid patch of weeds repeatedly, consider following up with a soil-building and watering strategy to restore soil health once the weeds are gone.

Any weed killer that hasn’t been used can be channelled into an empty plastic bottle, closed tightly, and labelled. Keep any leftover solution in a cool, dark place for as long as possible.

To further increase its effectiveness, vinegar can be mixed with dish soap, which will help to break down the plant’s protective wax coating.

Spraying at the end of a warm or hot day is best and where you know it will not rain for at least six hours in order for the weed killer to be absorbed. The vinegar will evaporate more quickly in these conditions, which will help to speed up the weed-killing process

NB: If you use a weaker concentration, it may take a few days more for the weed killer to take effect.

In conclusion

If you are looking for an environmentally friendly and affordable weed killer, vinegar is a great option. By following the recipe provided, you can make your own weed killer using ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.

Not only does this solution kill weeds effectively, but it also leaves no harmful residue behind. Give it a try today!

Want to know more about vinegar weed killers

Knotweed Removal aims to provide the most up-to-date information, help, and advice for YOU to make informed decisions. If you are unsure or uncertain about how to proceed, please reach out to us and we will gladly come back and advise you as best we can.

Governmental advice can be found here and the UK law covering the removal of Japanese Knotweed as stated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 can be found here.

The best means to contact us is via our email – hello@knotweedremoval.tips

Do not forget we have a library of blogs covering many areas relevant to Japanese Knotweed, our free downloadable How-to Guides, and Product Reviews on the latest methods being employed to eradicate or remove Japanese Knotweed.

Knotweed Removal, UK

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