How to Kill Weeds with Vinegar the Right Way

Vinegar can help get rid of weeds, but there is a catch.

Everyone hates weeds. If you walk down the gardening aisle at your local nursery or big box store, you will see all sorts of weed killers to choose from. Homemade concoctions for killing weeds are popular too. Natural weed killer made with household vinegar have become especially popular on the internet.

But if you just fill a bottle with regular vinegar from under your sink and start spraying weeds, you are going to be disappointed.

If you are going to use vinegar as a weed killer, there are a few things you need to know first.

Don’t Use Household Vinegar

The typical household vinegar is great for cleaning, but it is  not strong enough to kill weeds . White vinegar usually contains  five percent acetic acid . To kill weeds, you will need something stronger.

Vinegar Type

Acetic Acid Content

Effectiveness on Weeds

Household vinegar

5%

Not effective

Horticultural vinegar

20%

Effective on young, annual weeds

Important:  Horticultural vinegar is particularly strong. If you are going to use it, you will need to wear  gloves and eye protection . Some horticultural vinegars come premixed and ready to use, which is probably the easiest way to go.

What to Know About Vinegar Weed Killer

While there are other natural, safe options for taking care of those pesky weeds, if you decide to use vinegar, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Consideration

Detail

Roots are not killed

Vinegar only kills the parts of the plant it touches (contact herbicide)

Annual vs. perennial

Vinegar-based herbicides will only kill annual weeds, not perennials

Temporary effect on tough weeds

It might temporarily take care of poison ivy or ragweed, but those plants will be back soon enough

Legal note

If you purchase horticultural vinegar that is not labeled as a weed killer, it is illegal to use it as a weed killer

Vinegar is a chemical

Treat it as such—you will need safety gear for handling herbicidal versions with 20% or more acetic acid

Off-target damage

Vinegar can kill the plants you do not want to harm, so be careful where you spray it

Wind

Do not use it on a windy day

Surface damage

Be careful with strong vinegar around your patio—it can discolor certain kinds of decking materials

How to Make Your Own Vinegar Weed Killer

If you do want to make your own vinegar weed killer, the main thing to remember is that you will have to use vinegar that is stronger than the household variety. You can buy concentrated vinegar that is  20 percent acetic acid .

Beyond the vinegar, you will also need dish soap, salt, and a spray bottle.

Ingredient

Purpose

Acetic acid (vinegar)

Breaks down plant cell walls

Salt

Works with acetic acid to dry out the plant

Dish soap

Breaks down the outer coat of the plant (cuticle), helping the vinegar penetrate

DIY Weed Killer Recipe

Ingredient

Amount

Horticultural vinegar (20% acetic acid)

1 gallon

Dish soap

1 ounce

Salt

1 cup

Directions