A common DIY weed-killing solution made from three simple ingredients is:
- White vinegar – the main weed-killing ingredient. Its acetic acid can dry out and damage plant leaves.
- Salt – helps dehydrate plants and can make the soil less suitable for growth.
- Dish soap – acts as a surfactant, helping the mixture stick to the leaves instead of running off.
Basic recipe
- 1 gallon (about 3.8 liters) of white vinegar
- 1 cup of table salt
- 1–2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap
How to use:
- Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle or garden sprayer until the salt dissolves.
- Spray directly onto the leaves of unwanted weeds, preferably on a dry, sunny day.
- Avoid spraying desirable plants, grass, flowers, or vegetables.
Important cautions
- This mixture is non-selective, meaning it can kill almost any plant it touches.
- Salt can build up in soil and prevent future plant growth, so avoid using it near garden beds or areas where you want plants to grow later.
- It works best on young weeds; deep-rooted weeds may regrow and need repeated treatment or removal.
- Vinegar sold for cooking is usually around 5% acetic acid; stronger horticultural vinegar products can be more effective but require more care.
For lawns and gardens, hand-pulling, mulching, or targeted weed treatments are often safer options because they protect surrounding plants and soil health.