Claims like “THIS burns weeds in 1 day! They NEVER grow again” are almost always exaggerated.
The reality depends on what “this” is:
- Boiling water can quickly kill the leaves of many weeds, especially small annual weeds. However, weeds with deep roots (like dandelions or bindweed) often grow back.
- Vinegar (especially horticultural vinegar) can burn the foliage within hours to a day, but it usually does not kill the roots of established perennial weeds. Household vinegar (5% acetic acid) is generally less effective.
- Salt may kill weeds, but it can also damage the soil, making it difficult for other plants to grow. It’s generally not recommended for garden beds.
- Commercial herbicides can kill weeds more effectively, and some are designed to kill the roots. Even then, they do not guarantee weeds will “never grow again” because new weed seeds can germinate later.
Can weeds “never grow again”?
No method can realistically guarantee that. New weeds can appear from:
- Seeds already in the soil.
- Seeds blown in by wind or carried by birds.
- Underground roots or rhizomes that survive treatment.
The best long-term weed control
- Pull weeds before they produce seeds.
- Apply mulch (5–10 cm / 2–4 inches) to suppress new growth.
- Use targeted herbicides only when appropriate and according to the label.
- Regularly monitor and remove new weeds while they’re small.
If you tell me what “this” refers to (for example, vinegar, bleach, salt, or another mixture), I can explain whether it works and any risks it poses to your plants or soil.
