Using Vinegar to Kill Weeds: Basic Guide

White vinegar is commonly used for cleaning purposes and as a versatile ingredient in cooking. Its acetic acid can also kill weeds.

Regular household vinegar (5% acetic acid) works on young, small weeds. However, a higher acetic acid content is more effective for general weed control.

There are also a few things to know about using vinegar to kill weeds.

Killing Weeds Naturally with Vinegar

Vinegar can be an effective way to control many weeds, especially on warm, sunny days. It is cost-effective and seen as a low-toxicity option compared to many synthetic herbicides when used properly.

To make your homemade weed killer, you only need two simple ingredients and a sprayer to apply the solution.

A pump sprayer with an extended nozzle and hose is best for large areas, while a hand sprayer or paintbrush is best for small areas. Paintbrushes will also prevent you from accidentally killing your grass.

Combine 1 gallon of white vinegar (5% acidity or higher) with 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Shake well, then spray the solution onto the weeds.

How often you apply it depends on how resistant the weeds are to the vinegar solution. Apply the solution and check the weeds about 8 hours later.

If a second application is needed, do so and check back 24 hours later. Mature weeds may require repeated applications. Some perennial weeds may regrow because vinegar does not always kill the entire root system.

You can also use hot vinegar to quickly burn and kill the visible portions of weeds. However, established perennial weeds may regrow from surviving roots.

Type of Vinegar

Standard white vinegar typically contains 4–7% acetic acid, while horticultural vinegar contains 20% acetic acid [1]. Horticultural vinegar is generally a better choice for mature weeds that are harder to kill.

However, because of its higher acidity, horticultural vinegar should be handled carefully and kept away from the eyes and skin.

When to Use

Apply the solution before annual weeds, such as crabgrass, go to seed. Success is easier with young plants than with older, mature ones.

Horticultural vinegar is generally more effective on mature weeds. It may provide better control of some perennial weeds than household vinegar.

Thoroughly coat the leaves and stems of the weed for the best results. Additionally, apply the solution on a warm, sunny day to improve its effectiveness.

Vinegar and Salt

Try a different recipe if you feel household vinegar and soap aren’t working fast enough. Some gardeners have been mixing vinegar and salt to kill weeds.

To make this salt-and-vinegar weed killer, mix 1 cup of table salt with 1 tablespoon of liquid soap. Then, add one gallon of household vinegar to the container.

Stir well. Let the solution dissolve completely before adding it to a sprayer.

Finally, use the solution to coat the weeds. However, do not pour it on the soil.

Note: Use salt-based weed killers cautiously. Salt can accumulate in the soil, making it difficult for desirable plants to grow in treated areas.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Visible wilting and browning often begin within 24 hours. Larger weeds may take several days to die back completely.

If used correctly, vinegar weed killer can effectively suppress many weeds and help keep them under control.

Just use it at the right time and in the right amount. As mentioned, you may need to use this home remedy more than once to see the results.

However, please note that it is non-selective. It will burn the leaves of any plant it touches, including your vegetables, fruit trees, grass, and flowers, so be careful when applying it.

How Long Does Vinegar Last in the Soil?

Vinegar does not persist in soil for long. It is quickly diluted by water and broken down by naturally occurring soil microorganisms.

Does Vinegar Kill Weeds to the Root?

Household vinegar usually kills only the above-ground portions of weeds. Young annual weeds may die completely. However, established perennial weeds often regrow from their roots.

This regrowth often requires repeated treatments or other control methods to manage effectively.

Horticultural vinegar may work better for root control than household vinegar. However, even concentrated products don’t always kill established perennial roots.

Cost-Effectiveness

This natural weed killer is cost-effective because it typically costs less than many synthetic herbicides.

A small amount can treat many young weeds. However, large infestations may require repeated applications.

Even with salt or liquid soap added, it’s still cheaper than most commercial herbicides.

It’s even more affordable than paying someone to pull out weeds for you. The only thing cheaper is hand-pulling them yourself.

By using the right amount at the right time, vinegar can be an effective natural weed-control method in your vegetable garden. You can also use it on weeds in cracks, between pavers, walkways, and the driveway.

Precautions

Because of its acidity, horticultural vinegar is used as an herbicide. Yes, it’s a natural herbicide, but it can still cause injury if not handled properly.

It can damage desirable plants and may irritate the eyes, skin, throat, and nose of people and animals.

Wear gloves and a mask to prevent injury when using this weed-control method. This is especially important when handling horticultural-grade products.

Additionally, it is best to wear goggles, as using a sprayer or paintbrush can cause splashes to the face.

Takeaway

Vinegar is a useful home remedy for controlling many common weeds, including creeping buttercups. It is one of the most popular natural weed-control options, especially for young weeds and weeds growing in cracks, walkways, and other hard surfaces.

If you can’t be bothered with these DIY concoctions, Phydura is an alternative. This product uses natural ingredients, such as vinegar. So, it works well as an organic contact weed killer.