One woman took to the ‘Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips’ Facebook group to ask for advice on how to get rid of weeds between patio slabs after the summer weather saw them shoot up
With recent times bringing both warm weather and the odd downpour, many are discovering their patios invaded by persistent weeds. These uninvited botanical intruders, from dandelions to chickweed, stubbornly establish themselves in the gaps between paving stones.
Pulling them out manually is possible, but it’s a boring and often painful chore that can play havoc with your joints.
Desperate for assistance, one frustrated homeowner turned to the ‘Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips’ online forum seeking guidance on eliminating weeds from her patio slabs.
Writing to the group, she asked: “Hi, does anyone know how to get rid of weeds between patio slabs? I think I have seen something about white vinegar. Many thanks.”
The flood of responses she garnered was staggering, though the most popular solution centred on using salt either solo or combined with vinegar and washing-up liquid, reports the Express.
One member suggested: “Big tub of cheap table salt is about 30p last time I looked. Dissolved some in water and use that after you’ve pulled what you can up then it goes straight to any roots… [they] stay away for ages.”
Another member recommended: “Salt and white vinegar. Tip is to do this on a warm sunny day, works a treat.”
A third contributor revealed their method: “I poured boiling water on them and sprinkled salt on. Definitely shrivelled them up.”
They continued: “I then grabbed a gardening tool resembling a wire brush with a long handle, and tackled the cracks where the weeds had been flourishing but were now brown and dried up, easily removing them. It was both affordable and straightforward.”
Salt proves to be an effective weed destroyer, as it interferes with their moisture intake and essentially dries them out. Applying salt creates a barren patch, stopping weeds and other vegetation from sprouting in that spot for an extended period.
Bargain hunters can snap up table salt at rock-bottom prices, with Waitrose selling it for 75p, Sainsbury’s for 69p, and Ocado for a mere 40p.
Mrs Hinch enthusiasts have also suggested alternative remedies including boiling water, white vinegar used alone, and employing a weed burner.
One person revealed her technique: “I have a portable weed burner that works well.” Another recommended a straightforward approach: “Boiling water works a treat. Try it.”
A third person offered her tip: “White vinegar works overnight. Also safer for pets.”