Weeds can be an annoying and unsightly problem during the warmer months, but there is a simple and effective way to get rid of them without spending a fortune or putting in much effort
Weeds on patios, driveways and paving can be difficult to remove(Image: Getty)
After a pleasantly warm UK spring peppered with occasional showers, many are finding their patios overrun by persistent weeds. With everything from dandelions to chickweed firmly planting themselves between paving stones, it can be quite the eyesore.
For those wary of pulling out weeds manually, due to the backbreaking and joint-straining effort involved, a woman sought advice on the ‘Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips’ online community on how to effectively remove weeds from her patio.
She asked: “Hi, does anyone know how to get rid of weeds between patio slabs? I think I have seen something about white vinegar. Many thanks.”
Among a deluge of responses, the most notable suggestion was to apply salt, either on its own or combined with vinegar, and washing-up liquid.
One of the community members said: “Big tub of cheap table salt is about 30p last time I looked. Dissolved some in water and use that after you’ve pulled what you can up then it goes straight to any roots… [they] stay away for ages.”
Another said: “Salt and white vinegar. Tip is to do this on a warm sunny day, works a treat.”
And another said: “I poured boiling water on them and sprinkled salt on. Definitely shrivelled them up.”
There’s an easy way to kill your patio weeds for good (Image: Kinga Krzeminska via Getty Images)
“I then grabbed a gardening tool resembling a wire brush with a long handle, and tackled the cracks where the weeds had been flourishing but were now brown and dried up, easily removing them. It was both affordable and straightforward.”
Salt is a potent weed killer because it hinders the weeds’ water balance and effectively leads to dehydration.
The use of salt in gardens can create a barren zone, deterring the growth of weeds and other vegetation for an extended period, reports the Express.
Bargain hunters can purchase table salt at competitive prices, with Waitrose offering it for 75p, Sainsbury’s pricing it at 69p, and Ocado selling it for just 40p.
Followers of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have recommended various alternative weed control options such as boiling water, undiluted white vinegar, and employing a weed burner.
Sharing their method, one person wrote: “I have a portable weed burner that works well.” Another person added a straightforward remedy: “Boiling water works a treat. Try it.”
A third commenter shared their tip: “White vinegar works overnight. Also safer for pets.”