The claim “This burns weeds in 1 day! They never grow again” is a common gardening headline, but it’s usually an exaggeration. Most homemade weed killers can damage or kill the leaves quickly, but they often do not kill the roots, meaning weeds may grow back.
A common homemade weed-killing method
A mixture often shared online is:
- White vinegar (higher-strength horticultural vinegar works better than household vinegar)
- A small amount of dish soap (helps the liquid stick to leaves)
This can:
- Dry out and brown the visible parts of many weeds
- Work faster on young weeds and sunny days
But:
- It may not kill deep-rooted weeds (such as dandelions)
- It can harm grass, flowers, and other plants it touches
- Repeated use can affect soil organisms and nearby plants
Ways to reduce weeds long-term
✅ Pull weeds after rain when soil is softer
✅ Remove the roots when possible
✅ Apply mulch (wood chips, straw, or compost) to block sunlight
✅ Improve lawn density so weeds have less space to grow
✅ Use targeted weed control products according to the label when appropriate
