Homemade Natural Weed Killer That’s Safe for Pets and Kids
Raise your hand if you’re sick of weeds popping up between your patio pavers, in garden beds, or right in the middle of your lawn! I can’t stand them, and I refuse to use harsh chemical sprays that linger in the soil and aren’t safe for pets or kids.
That’s why I started making this DIY natural weed killer—it's cheap, easy, and actually works. Plus, you can use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, depending on what you’ve got in the pantry.
This homemade weed killer recipe is the best I’ve found for quickly drying out weeds without any toxic ingredients. And it only takes a few bucks and less than a day!
Tools and Materials:
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1. Pour ACV Into Your Spray Bottle
Start by pouring about 2 cups of apple cider vinegar into your spray bottle.
If you’re using a smaller bottle, just fill it most of the way—you don’t have to be exact! You can always mix more later if you run out.
If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, plain white vinegar works just as well.
The acetic acid in vinegar is what helps dry out and kill weeds naturally—no toxic chemicals needed.
2. Add Salt
Next, add ¼ cup of Epsom salt to the vinegar in your spray bottle. I used a funnel to make it easier, but if you don’t have one, just go slow and pour carefully—it doesn’t have to be fancy.
Epsom salt helps the vinegar stick to the weeds longer and dry them out more effectively. Some people use regular table salt, but I like Epsom salt because it's a bit gentler on the surrounding soil.
3. Shake and Spray
Give your spray bottle a good shake until the Epsom salt dissolves into the vinegar. Once everything’s mixed up, head outside and spray those weeds generously—make sure they’re well soaked.
I focused on the weeds popping up between my patio pavers, but you can use this spray anywhere you see unwanted growth. Just aim carefully so you don’t spray nearby plants you actually want to keep—this stuff works fast!
After just 24 hours, those weeds were completely dried up and easy to brush away.
The hot summer weather helped speed up the process, but I’m confident this natural weed killer will work no matter the season.
You might need to pull up tougher weeds, but for the most part, they’ll shrivel right up and be easy to remove.
If you notice any stubborn spots, just repeat the process.
This homemade weed spray is effective and super affordable compared to store-bought options. Plus, you’ll love that it’s safe for pets and kids, unlike harsh chemical alternatives.
More Natural Weed Sprays
Easy Natural Weed Killer Spray Using Pantry Ingredients
Ready to say goodbye to weeds the natural way? Grab your apple cider vinegar and Epsom salt, and give this DIY weed killer a try in your yard!
Let me know how it works for you in the comments below—share your results or ask any questions you have. Happy gardening!
Resources for this project:
Comments
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Boiling hot water works as well no need to spend money on ingredients
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I sprayed Dawn dish soap directly on the weed and it killed it.
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You did not dilute Dawn at all?
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Frequently asked questions
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Is it safe around animals?
How can I make my fitted sheets stay in place
Will it really be safe for animals? Because my dog likes to lick everything in the yard, I try to stop him from doing it, but I don't always have time to monitor it.