How to Get Rid of Plants in Patio Cracks

Plants and weeds in patio cracks can make it look unattractive.

Weeds and unwanted plants that pop up in between the cracks of your patio look unattractive. To kill them, you can choose from several weed killers on the market. The problem is, most of these products contain harmful chemicals. They can also be costly to buy. To save money and avoid handling, storing, and using nasty chemicals, you can use any of a few common household products instead. You may choose to use a chemical-free remedy, too. Choose the method that works best for you.

Things You'll Need

• Salt
• Measuring cup
• Spoon
• Pot
• Closed footwear
• Pants
• Spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Broom

Instructions

1. Measure out 1 cup of table salt into a pot. Measure out and pour 2 cups of tap water into the pot. Stir to dissolve the salt. Bring the solution to a boil on medium-high heat. Remove the pot from the heat. Wear closed footwear and pants. Carefully pour the saltwater on the plants to kill them.

2. Use plain boiling water without the addition of salt to get rid of pesky weeds on your patio as an alternative to step 1. Pour the water down low and away from yourself. Pour it slowly to avoid splashing.

3. Fill a spray bottle with straight white vinegar. Spray the weeds in the patio cracks liberally to eradicate them.

4. Sprinkle handfuls of baking soda onto the patio by the cracks. Use a broom to sweep the soda into the cracks to kill unwanted plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Repeat an application if the first one doesn't kill the weeds in two to three days.

• Use caution not to get any of the weed killer on grass or plants you don't want to kill.

• Use extreme caution in handling the boiling water.

References

• Reader's Digest: 11 Ways to Kill Garden Weeds
• Northern Shade Gardening: Killing Weeds With Hot Water