A new weeding hack is making waves on TikTok, but experts strongly advise against trying it. This method involves mixing four cups of vinegar, half a cup of salt, and two teaspoons of dish soap to eliminate unwanted grass on backyard pavements.
While it might seem like a quick and cost-effective fix, using this weeding hack can cause more harm than good.
What are the Risks of This Weeding Hack?
At first glance, this weeding hack appears safe and budget-friendly, using common household items. However, experts warn that the combination of salt and vinegar can seriously damage paving materials. Salt, or sodium chloride, seeps into the pores of paving stones, particularly those with a porous design.
Once moisture gets in, the salt causes the material to expand and contract. In turn, this can to cracks and faster deterioration. In areas with high humidity or frequent rain, this process speeds up, making the damage even worse.
Rod / Unsplash / Experts suggest that using chemicals, vinegar, and salt can wither your flowers and damage the pavement.
Vinegar is another major problem. Its acidity is strong enough to weaken paving materials like limestone, sandstone, or concrete. The acid breaks down the minerals in these stones, making them more fragile over time. This leads to discoloration, surface erosion, and etching - problems that are difficult, if not impossible, to reverse.
The damage becomes even more noticeable on natural stone, leaving unsightly marks that ruin the look of your pavement.
Why Salt and Vinegar Are a Bad Idea?
Apart from harming paving, salt can accelerate the corrosion of metal. Some driveways and patios have rebar reinforcement beneath the surface, and when salt seeps down, it speeds up the rusting process. Over time, this weakens the structure, leading to more costly repairs.
In short, what seems like a simple weeding hack could turn into a long-term problem for your outdoor space.
However, vinegar doesn’t just affect paving. It can also harm nearby plants and soil quality. When used excessively, it alters the soil’s pH, making it harder for desirable plants to grow. This is especially concerning if you plan to plant flowers or greenery near your paved area.
While vinegar does kill weeds, its effects on the surrounding environment make it a less-than-ideal solution.
Better Alternatives for Weed Control
Since this viral weeding hack comes with so many risks, it is smart to consider safer and more effective alternatives. One of the easiest and most reliable methods is using boiling water. Pouring it directly onto weeds damages their cell structure, killing them within minutes.
This method is chemical-free and won’t harm your pavement. However, be careful not to splash nearby plants, as boiling water can affect them too.
Serge / Unsplash / One of the most effective approaches is manual weeding. While it takes more effort, using a quality weeding tool can speed up the process.
Some tools make it easier to remove weeds by the root, preventing regrowth. For those looking for a hassle-free option, investing in a good weeding tool - available for as little as $20 - can save time and frustration.
Baking soda is another simple and affordable alternative. Sprinkling it over patio slabs and sweeping it into the cracks helps to dry out and kill weeds. For even better results, follow up with boiling water. Unlike vinegar and salt, baking soda doesn’t cause long-term damage to paving materials, making it a safer option.
