Fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have taken to social media to share their advice for removing weeds from patios and driveways without resorting to chemicals
Garden weeds, decidedly unsightly nuisances, often spring up in the most inconvenient of places – from cracks between paving stones to the heart of patios. Forgoing chemical weed killers due to their potential harm to the environment and animal wellbeing, green-thumbed enthusiasts advocate for natural alternatives that are gentler on a garden’s ecosystem, like boiling water.
Fans of cleaning guru Mrs Hinch, real name Sophie Hinchliffe, whose Instagram boasts an impressive 4.8 million followers, frequently exchange tips in Facebook groups dedicated to gardening and home care. In one such Mrs Hinch fan group, Julie Lucas sought advice with a post reading: “Any ideas for killing weeds on patio slabs please?”
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In response, the post received almost 50 comments, but the standout suggestion amongst Mrs Hinch devotees was simply boiling water.
Gill Cardwell Jones advised: “Boil your kettle and while it’s still bubbling, pour over the weeds and they’ll never come back. My gardener told me that and it works great. Obviously, don’t do it to weeds on your grass though.”
Echoing this sentiment, Victoria Jewell remarked: “I just boil the kettle and pour it on. Kills them straight away!” while Jean Clough and Kim Hudspeth concurred, also proposing “boiling water” as an effective solution.
Meanwhile, Facebook user Natalie Dawson has recommended the use of “boiling water and salt” as a sure-fire way to eradicate weeds.
Boiling water is an almost immediate weed killer, reports the Express. The heat from the water annihilates the plant’s root tissue, causing a shock to the system that results in the plant wilting and dying within a day or two.
This method is particularly effective for clearing weeds on paths and driveways. However, this approach should be avoided on lawns or flower beds, as it could also destroy grass and plants that gardeners wish to preserve.
Other weed removal suggestions from Mrs Hinch fans included using salt, white vinegar and a weed burner. Irene Ducros stated: “Salt – just salt. It does the job. I’ve been using it for years now and nothing else seems to work.”
Jan Mchugh responded to the post with: “Mixture of salt, washing up liquid and white vinegar.”
Ally East suggested: “I tried the vinegar and washing up water method and it works, but have now decided that I like the effect of moss in amongst my slabs. Gives it a cottage-y feel, like the paving you see in gardens of listed buildings. I just pull up the weeds.”
Liz Hogan penned: “One litre of white vinegar. Do it when the sun is on it.” Jacqui Spelman replied: “I was told pure vinegar they get in the chippies and water it down. I used it and it’s brilliant. Does the job and quickly. Just don’t get it on the grass as it burns it.”
Paula Forester commented: “I use a weed burner. It kills right down to the root.”