Tired of weeds? Try out this cheap & easy DIY weed killer. It's easy to make from stuff you already have at home. Say goodbye to weeds for good with this small batch vinegar weed killer recipe
I hate trying to kill off weeds. It seems like I am forever out spraying them and the weed killer is expensive too.
So I was thrilled when my new neighbor introduced me to this DIY weed killer. Not only is it very frugal, but it also works great.
Homemade Weed Killer
It only takes a few minutes to make up this DIY weed killer with vinegar and dawn, you probably have everything you need at home.
Why This Works
The vinegar and salt work together to draw out the moisture from the weeds and plants. The dish soap will help the mix cling to the weed instead of just dripping to the ground.
The best part about this DIY week killer is that I am not worried about using it around my dogs. If you have pets, this homemade weed killer is perfect!
Note: This also works as a homemade grass killer. So you only want to use it on your lawn if you want to kill off the grass also.
Ingredients Needed To Make the Weed Killer
To make this DIY weed killer, you will need a few things.
Ingredients:
- Vinegar (white vinegar is best)
- Table Salt
- Dish Soap (I used Dawn, but any brand is fine)
- and a spray bottle
You will need vinegar, table salt, dish soap, and a spray bottle. I make a small batch of homemade weed killer using a small spray bottle. If you have a large number of weeds, I would recommend doubling or tripling the batch and using a garden sprayer.
Tip
I switched over to the large garden sprayer, and it is amazing for this homemade grass and weed killer! Just make sure you shake well before each use.
Step 1: Start by pouring 1/2 teaspoon of dish soap into your spray bottle. I use Dawn, but any brand will work.
Note
The dish soap will allow the salt and vinegar to cling to the weeds.
Step 2: Next, add 2 tablespoons of table salt to the spray bottle.
Tip
The salt acts as a drying agent in the homemade weed killer. It helps dry out the plant and kill it.
Step 3: Finally, add 2 cups of vinegar to the spray bottle. Vinegar is an acid that will kill off the plant.
Step 4: Shake the bottle up well until all the salt is dissolved.
Note
It's important to make sure the salt dissolves. If not, it may get clogged in your spray bottle.
Using the DIY Weed Killer
Now you are ready to spray those weeds. I have found this DIY weed killer works best when you use it on a sunny day.
The sun helps really bake in the vinegar and salt to really fry the weeds. Just spray the weed and it will die over the next week. Please keep in mind that this will also kill off any vegetation.
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You will want to use caution when spraying around plants you want to keep. Also, this will kill your lawn, so make sure you don't spray it on your lawn unless you want to kill off your grass. It makes a great, cheap grass killer.
I love how great this works to kill the weeds, and I have even had good luck with it keeping the weeds gone in the cracks of my driveway. This DIY weed killer is perfect for flower beds, gardens, sidewalks, and driveways! It also works great with brick sidewalks where you need to keep the weeds away. What tricks do you have to keep the weeds away?
DIY Weed Killer
Equipment
- 1 spray bottle
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon DIsh Soap
- 2 tablespoons Table Salt
- 2 cups Vinegar
Instructions
- Start by pouring 1/2 teaspoon dish soap in your spray bottle.
- Next, add 2 tablespoons table salt to the spray bottle.
- Finally, add 2 cups of vinegar to the spray bottle.
- Shake the bottle up well until all the salt is dissolved.
- Spray on weeds during a sunny day and wait for the weeds to disappear!
Like Using Natural Products? Check out these tips below!
Maria says
I don’t have table salt containing iodine right now. Can I substitute sea salt instead?
Julie says
I think that will work? You may want to add a little extra of the salt, just in case.
Susan says
Can you spray it on a spot after you’ve already pulled the weeds?
cindy says
I have a creek behind my house and would like to get rid of the weeds that grows next to it however, cows drink out of the creek. Will it hurt the cows? Thank you so much. I’ve been trying to find something i hope I can use your idea. Thank you very much
janice madigan says
Can I use ammonia instead of vinegar?
Julie says
I wouldn't. I am not sure how the ammonia would react vs. vinegar.
Darla says
Is this safe to use around pets?
Julie says
I feel comfortable using it in the mulch beds with my dog.
Linda says
Is this safe to use around birds? Some times their seeds fall around the area I would be spraying and they will forage for them there. If it is, it would sure beat have to pull all those weeds!
Julie says
I feel comfortable using it around my dog. I am assuming it would be safe for birds, but I am not sure.
Lori says
Will it kill a plant if spraying weeds close to it? The plant is a spirea. Or any perennial plant for that matter.
Julie says
If you get any of the spray on the plants it will kill the plant.
Tori says
What’s the your measurements when switching to the bigger sprayer?
Julie says
It would depend on the size of your sprayer. I normally just triple the recipe for a larger sprayer.
Joanne says
Tried this method to kill weeds. It worked fast and efficiently. Love that this is a natural way to take care of the weeds. Also Tried your methods for getting rid of ants. Worked great! Thanks for your help with these everyday problems around the house and yard.
Bev says
After using this how long do you have to wait to plant anything ???
Julie says
I have planted larger things like bushes within 3 days and haven't had a problem. If you are planting something from seed I would give it longer, maybe 2-4 weeks.
Dorothy K~ says
From Minnesota, CAN't wait to try this AND bring it to my sister in Florida! Thank you.
Connie says
Will this work on ground ivy?
Julie says
I haven't tried it before on ground ivy. If you do try it let me know how it works.
Anita says
I'm mixing this as we speak, I'll get back to you soon with the results
Julie says
Let me know what you think. I just mixed up and used some yesterday. Spring is here and the weeds are out in full force at my house. 🙂