If you’re referring to a viral homemade weed-killer claim, the “burns weeds in 1 day and they never grow again” part is misleading.
A strong household mixture such as vinegar + salt + dish soap can make weeds wilt or appear burned quickly, but it doesn’t reliably kill the roots. Perennial weeds can grow back, sometimes from roots or underground stems.
A safer approach
- For small areas: pull or dig weeds out, removing as much of the root as possible.
- For paths and cracks: repeated removal plus a suitable weed-control product labeled for that specific use can be more effective.
- For garden beds: mulch can block light and substantially reduce new weed growth.
- For persistent perennial weeds: identify the weed first; treatment depends on whether it’s an annual, perennial, grass, or broadleaf weed.
Be careful with salt
Salt can damage soil and prevent desirable plants from growing, so don’t use salt-based weed killers in garden beds or around trees and shrubs. Vinegar can also injure any plant it contacts.
Bottom line: Fast browning doesn’t equal permanent eradication. The key to preventing regrowth is dealing with the weed’s roots and preventing new seedlings from establishing.
