The claim “THIS burns weeds in 1 day! They NEVER grow again” is almost certainly an exaggeration.
Here’s what’s realistic:
- Contact weed killers (including homemade mixtures or products containing ingredients like acetic acid) can make weeds appear dead within a day by burning the leaves. However, many perennial weeds regrow from their roots.
- Systemic herbicides can kill the entire plant, including the roots, but they typically take several days to a few weeks to work fully.
- No treatment permanently prevents all weeds from ever returning. New weeds can grow from seeds already in the soil or be carried in by wind, animals, or people.
Be cautious of videos promoting homemade weed killers made with ingredients like vinegar, salt, and dish soap:
- Vinegar may burn the visible parts of young weeds but often doesn’t kill established roots.
- Salt can damage the soil and make it difficult for desirable plants to grow for a long time.
- Dish soap mainly helps the solution stick to leaves; it isn’t a weed killer by itself.
If your goal is long-term weed control, the best approach depends on where the weeds are growing (e.g., lawn, vegetable garden, gravel driveway, patio cracks). I can suggest effective options for your specific situation.
