Steph's backyard is basically nothing but pea gravel and pavers, with absolutely no grass. It was this way when she moved in. Because it is so shady back there, grass is really not an option. What does grow back there are weeds and lots of them! It's been a particularly healthy growing season for weeds this summer. It would be impossible to pull all of them so we started to look for a chemical way to kill them. We wanted to steer clear of treatments such as Round-Up, due to the potential danger to Mac, Steph's dog, should she eat one of the poisoned weeds. We investigated natural methods and came across a method using vinegar. Caution: To be clear, we do not know if this method is safe for animals. We do know from research that using the vinegar and salt formula will leave the dirt on which it is used sterile. That is, nothing is going to grow there in the future. So, for example, you wouldn't use it to clear out weeds in a garden and then go back and plant vegetables and expect them to grow.
This certainly was an interesting experiment! Some things to remember:
Let us know about your experience if you use this method. There are certainly a lot of appropriate places to use it like driveways and sidewalks and backyards with lots of rocks! Please note: This is not a sponsored post. FYI: We are not professionals, and we don't claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first! FYI: Affiliate links are being used on this page. Purchasing via these links help support MDP! Related Projects
20 Comments
Cheri
10/18/2019 09:28:11 am
Wow! What an amazing recipe and instructional video! I like how thorough you two were showing mixing of solution, use and results. I am going on a hunt for the 30 percent vinegar today. Can hardly wait to try for myself! The only questions I have are:
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Shirley Barnett
10/18/2019 12:46:09 pm
She said to use tablespoon of Dawn and she said she got the 30% on Amazon..
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Cynthia Russell
9/5/2024 01:33:05 pm
My Home Depot carries it.. I bought it there..
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Michael Forry
10/23/2019 08:12:29 am
Great videos!
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Vicki
10/23/2019 12:35:57 pm
According to everything I've read, it will kill everything and leave the soil infertile. So, I would not use this in a garden. Actually, I'd rather do the work than have to be responsible for taking the video! That's Steph's job. :) ~Vicki
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Michael Forry
10/24/2019 05:58:15 am
LOL. Thank You!
Thomas Milliken
2/29/2020 11:37:11 am
I noticed that you sprayed near plants you wanted to keep. Did the salt end up harming those plants?
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Steph
3/3/2020 08:19:40 am
I have not noticed any issues with those plants.
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Caren
5/31/2020 11:44:50 pm
You didn't say how much of the 30% vinegar to use. I got mine at hardware store. Thought you could use as is, didn't know you needed to add salt and dishwashing liquid.
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Dean R. Chijimatsu
11/3/2021 08:20:55 pm
What Do We Do With The Leftover Weed Killer? Can’t Discard It In Your Drain? Or Can You? Nah! E.P.A. Fine?
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Steph
11/4/2021 07:27:06 am
We use it all. I would not store it.
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Sheila
6/1/2022 09:38:33 am
EXCELLENT YouTube video, well edited, very useful.
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Steph
6/2/2022 08:53:00 pm
Thanks! We like ryobi products, that's why we tried it. Yes, it's a great one. Easy to use, lightweight. We have used the 2 gallon too, it is also great. Have not used the backpack, but probably good. We have used the Milwaukee backpack sprayer and it's great, but too heavy to wear as a backpack. We use a wheel cart to carry it.
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Sheila
6/9/2022 05:03:47 pm
Thank you so much!
Ellen
10/23/2022 03:40:36 am
Wearing flip flops -as pictured- while applying this solution doesn’t seem like the safest idea.. I would wear rubber boots or other protective footwear.
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Nancy Spak
8/13/2023 06:32:36 pm
I found the 30% vinegar at Home Depot!
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mIKES
8/29/2023 03:03:32 pm
And it is very effective. I could not resist trying some 47% from Tractor Supply. I'm hoping that with that level of concentration, I can cut the solution with a bit of water to get more for my money and trips to the store.
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JT
5/29/2024 02:44:24 pm
You can find it in the cleaning products' aisle at Home Depot.
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mIKES
8/29/2023 03:01:41 pm
Two things.
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Al
2/16/2024 12:07:13 pm
You can get 30% vinegar at Home Depot.
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