You won’t need expensive weedkiller to get rid of pesky patio weeds
Maintaining a spotless patio involves battling unwelcome guests: weeds and moss. These troublesome intruders squeeze through the tiniest cracks between paving stones or across patio surfaces and gravelled spots, flourishing in the cool, moist and shadowy corners they adore.
Weed invasion on garden patios stems from two factors: sunlight and organic material. Even the most minuscule gaps between pavers can gather sufficient dirt to encourage weed development, particularly in sheltered, wet locations. Conventional weedkillers might prove successful, but bring along numerous environmental and health hazards — and they’re also rather pricey.
Cleaning and sustainability expert Nancy Birtwhistle has revealed how she employs a mixture of boiling water and salt to eliminate weeds from her greenhouse patio, reports the Express.
In an Instagram clip, Nancy declared: “Don’t go out buying Path Clear and spot weedkiller. Those things are so toxic, so bad for the environment and costly.
“We can do it effectively, cheaply and safely. Just boiling water out of the kettle and then just a tiny sprinkle of salt.”
Following the application of scalding water and salt, Nancy revisited the weeds “three to four days later” and discovered the dandelion plants that had previously flourished were entirely deceased. She said: “They’ll not be back this season.”
Salt destroys plant tissue by extracting water, resulting in rapid dehydration. This technique proves particularly effective in gaps between block paving, where weeds frequently establish themselves.
This household essential disrupts water balance within plant tissues and prevents nutrient uptake. When used properly, salt triggers a complete death to weeds within three to five days.
Since Nancy’s patio weeds were protected inside her greenhouse, she didn’t require a second application of the salt mixture. Nevertheless, for exposed patios, the treatment must be repeated to prevent rainfall from washing the salt away.
In the comments below, several of her supporters trialled this method themselves, with some discovering success using just boiling water alone.
One user @emma22honey commented: “This works brilliantly on slate chip paths. I’m sure I saw you recommend it last year, and it saved me so much time, money and using horrid chemicals.”
Another @shereen_410 remarked: “I watched this reel last year, and omg I’m so grateful I did my drive and patio are looking so clear! The amount of time and money I spent on harmful path and patio weed killers over the years, and I’ve noticed they don’t grow back as fast now. Thank you.”
Meanwhile, user @aligiffj noted: “I tried this just with boiling water on some persistent grass weed that was growing in some shingle (I forgot the salt! ), but the boiling water worked just as well.”
Finally, @junglistine declared: “Brilliant! Boiling water is my favourite method, but I did not know that about the salt.”
