Understand the pros and cons of homemade weed killers before making your own concoction at home. While they’re mostly organic and eco-friendly, easy to use, and cost-effective, homemade herbicides can have short-term effects and safety risks.
Benefits and drawbacks of homemade weed killers
According to Joe Zagorski, Ph.D., a toxicologist for the Center for Research on Ingredient Safety (CRIS) at Michigan State University, we should handle chemical weed killers similar to handling prescription medicine — they should only be used as directed and stored away from children’s reach.
Since handling chemical solutions can be tricky, most homeowners avoid spraying synthetic herbicides on their lawns and use homemade weed killers instead. A chemical-free alternative to store-bought herbicides, these DIY solutions can be made using common household ingredients like baking soda and vinegar.
To decide whether this option is best for your lawn, you must first learn about the pros and cons of the most commonly used homemade weed killers.
Vinegar and soap
Since vinegar contains acetic acid, it can suck out the water from weeds. And, if you want to make it even more effective, you can add 1 cup of castile soap to a gallon of vinegar (5% to 20% acetic acid).
This mixture is the most versatile and effective homemade solution for killing weeds, especially broadleaf annual weeds.
Pros of vinegar and soap weed killer
- Organic
- Budget-friendly
- Simple to make and easy to use
- Effective for killing weeds on contact
- Eco-friendly (the acetic acid in vinegar is biodegradable – it won’t build up in your soil)
- Unlike store-bought herbicides, it doesn’t have glyphosate, so it won’t accidentally kill bees and other pollinators, especially if you have a pollinator lawn
Cons of vinegar and soap weed killer
- Stubborn weeds may require several applications
- Concentrated vinegar containing acetic acid higher than 11% can burn the skin and hurt the eyes
- Accidentally spraying the solution on the surrounding grass and plants also may cause them to die
- Cannot completely eradicate fully grown weeds or those with long taproots like chamberbitter
- If the solution doesn’t reach the roots, the weeds will grow back the following year or at the end of the season
- Using dish soap (which contains synthetic chemicals) in your homemade vinegar herbicide won’t be good for the environment
Note: To make your vinegar and soap weed killer eco-friendly, remember to add castile soap instead of dish soap, as this vegetable-based soap doesn’t contain synthetic ingredients.
Baking soda and water
Apart from vinegar, baking soda is another household product you can use to kill weeds. Since it consists mostly of salt, it’s effective at sucking out the moisture from plants. You can dissolve 10 tablespoons of baking soda in a gallon of water, then use a spray bottle to apply the solution directly onto the weeds.
Pros of baking soda and water weed killer
- Can be used to prevent weeds from growing in cracks
- Safe for use around children and pets
- Easy to make and use
- Budget-friendly
- Pollinator-safe
- Eco-friendly
Cons of baking soda and water weed killer
- Less effective on weeds with deep roots
- For lasting results, you may have to reapply often
- Can harm surrounding grass and plants if not applied carefully
Rubbing alcohol
For this solution, you’ll need to dilute 2 tablespoons of rubbing alcohol in 1 quart of water. Then, use a sprayer to apply the mixture directly onto the weeds. Be careful not to spray it on the surrounding grass and plants. Since this solution can kill weeds on contact, it also can harm any plant that gets sprayed along with the weeds.
Pros of rubbing alcohol weed killer
- Inexpensive
- Easy to make
- Straightforward application
- Can quickly dry out weeds, especially in hot conditions
Cons of rubbing alcohol weed killer
- Overapplying it can damage surrounding plants and grass
- Ineffective for eliminating deep-rooted and established weeds
Essential oil and water
Getting rid of weeds can feel like a spa treatment if you use essential oils in your homemade weed killer. Personally, I love using the combination of peppermint and clove oil. I mix 15 drops each of peppermint oil and clove oil with 4 cups distilled vinegar and use a sprayer to apply the solution on the weeds.
Pros of essential oil and water weed killer
- Organic
- Pleasant-smelling
- Some oils also can keep pests away
- Most types of essential oils are safe for use around children and pets
Cons of essential oil and water weed killer
- Effectiveness may vary depending on the type of oil used
- Generally less potent than other homemade weed killers
- Can harm nearby plants and soil organisms
- May need more frequent applications
Boiling water
This chemical-free weed killer is the easiest to prepare since you only need to boil water. It’s very effective for eliminating weeds in small areas or cracks. However, you must be careful when pouring the boiling water on the weeds to avoid spilling on yourself and scalding your skin.
Pros of boiling water weed killer
- Organic
- Easy to prepare
- Generally free since you only need to boil water
- Effective for eliminating small and young weeds
- 100% eco-friendly since there are no harsh chemicals in water
Cons of boiling water weed killer
- Short-term solution
- May not work on tough and persistent weeds
- Can burn your skin if you accidentally spill or splash the water on yourself
FAQ about homemade weed killers
What are the most common natural weed killers?
Vinegar is the most common natural weed killer. To increase its potency, you can simply add castile soap. Other natural weed control methods include mulching, hand weeding, and using landscape fabric or boiling water.
How long does it take for a homemade herbicide to kill weeds?
It can usually take up to 24 hours before a young weed dies from a homemade weed killer. But just a few hours after application, the point of contact will start to blacken due to burning or rapid dehydration.
How can I avoid spraying the weed killer on my grass?
Instead of using a garden sprayer, you can soak a cotton ball with the homemade herbicide and apply it directly to the weed you’re trying to kill. While this process requires more effort than spraying, you’re more in control and can avoid accidentally damaging your grass.
Let the pros handle the weeds
No lawn is ever safe from weeds, which is why weed killers are essential in lawn care. However, make no mistake when applying these herbicides, as they also can be deadly to your grass and other plants.
If you’re not confident or don’t have the time to do this, it’s best to have your local lawn care pro handle this job. Besides killing weeds, they also can help make your lawn consistently lush and green.
Main Image Credit: dean | Adobe Stock Free | License
Related Posts:
