Deirdre O Meara 
As the sun starts to shine and the weather warms up, many of us are turning our attention to our gardens. However, nothing can be more frustrating than spending hours getting your garden ready for summer, only to have it taken over by weeds in just a few days. Not only are weeds an eyesore, but they can also weaken and damage your patio. But fear not, as keen gardeners have taken to social media to share their top tips for killing pesky patio weeds, and it won’t cost you more than £1.
Posting in the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips group on Facebook, Lynne Powell asked fellow gardeners how to tackle the common problem of weeds in between paving slabs. Her question attracted plenty of attention, with more than 45 comments from other members of the group. One user suggested using white vinegar, stating that it was the “absolute best way to kill patio weeds down to the root.” Another agreed, saying that white vinegar “works a treat on paving weeds.” A third user recommended mixing white vinegar with water, although they cautioned that it should be used carefully, as it can kill any plant it touches.
Experts at Birds & Bloom also recommend using white vinegar to kill weeds, especially when mixed with washing-up liquid. According to their website, the acetic acid in vinegar “sucks out the water” from the weed, which dries it up. The dish soap helps to break down the outer coat of the plant, which allows the vinegar to work more effectively. This combination of ingredients is an easy and cost-effective way to make your own weed killer at home.
White vinegar is readily available from various retailers, including Sainsbury’s and Wilko, with prices starting at just 40p. Not only is it an effective weed killer, but it is also a natural and environmentally friendly alternative to harsh chemical treatments that can be harmful to both the environment and animals.
It is important to note that while white vinegar is an effective weed killer, it can also kill any plant it comes into contact with, so it should be used with care. If you have a lawn nearby, it is recommended that you take extra precautions to ensure that the vinegar does not come into contact with your grass.
In summary, if you’re looking for a quick, easy, and affordable way to get rid of pesky patio weeds, white vinegar mixed with water and dish soap is an effective solution. Not only is it environmentally friendly, but it is also a natural alternative to harsh chemical treatments. So, grab a bottle of white vinegar and get ready to enjoy a weed-free patio this summer!
