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When I first noticed the weeds creeping up between the pavers of my bluestone patio, I brushed them off as a minor annoyance. But as the weeks passed, those little tufts of green turned into a sprawling invasion of my entire patio, transforming my once-pristine outdoor space into a weedy mess that made me want to cry.
I tried pulling them out by hand, but my efforts were futile. There were too many, and any I managed to pull out kept coming back. Eventually, I decided it was time for a more permanent solution.
The Costly Quote
I called in a professional from a patio installation and repair company to assess the situation, hoping for an easy fix. What I got was a jaw-dropping quote: $20,000 to completely redo the patio and eliminate the weeds for good.
They said I couldn’t just redo the caulking between the pavers, as there’d be a seed bed already in there that would come back in the future. I couldn’t believe it — $20,000 to fix a basic weed problem?
That was waaaaay out of my budget, and I wasn’t going to shell out that kind of money just to get rid of some pesky plants.
The Problem with Traditional Weed Killers
At the same time, I didn’t want to use traditional (i.e., toxic) weed killers to get rid of the weeds. Traditional weed killers might seem like an easy solution, but many of them contain harmful chemicals that pose serious risks to our health and the environment.
One of the most common ingredients in these products is glyphosate (the main ingredient in RoundUp), which has been linked to cancer. Another ingredient to watch out for is 2,4-D, found in many herbicides (in fact, it’s one of the most widely used herbicides in the United States). This chemical has been linked to hormone disruption and reproductive health issues.
Even though these products may be effective at killing annoying patio weeds, they can linger in the soil and harm beneficial insects, plants, and the overall ecosystem.
My Eco-Friendly Solution
Determined to find a more affordable, eco-friendly solution, I turned to some DIY research. That’s when I stumbled upon a simple mixture: vinegar, dish soap, and water.
It sounded too easy to work, but I decided to give it a shot.
My Simple Recipe for Weed Removal with Vinegar and Dish Soap
- 1 gallon of white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of dish soap
- 1 cup of salt
I combined the ingredients in a garden sprayer, gave it a good shake, and went to work on the patio. I sprayed the mixture generously between the pavers, making sure to soak the weeds thoroughly. The vinegar acts as a natural herbicide, while the dish soap helps the mixture adhere to the plants.
The Results
I left the mixture to work its magic, and within a few hours, I could already see the weeds beginning to wilt. Over the next couple of days, the weeds gradually turned brown and brittle as they shrunk, allowing me to easily remove them.
Some of them shrunk to the point where I couldn’t even see them unless I really looked for them, so I just left them there. The transformation was remarkable — and all for the cost of a gallon of vinegar!
Natural Weed Removal Is Effective
For just a few dollars and a bit of elbow grease, I managed to save myself $20,000 and restore my patio to its former weed-free glory. This simple, eco-friendly solution not only got rid of the weeds, but it also spared me the cost and hassle of a complete patio overhaul.
If you’re dealing with weeds on your patio, I highly recommend giving this DIY all natural weed killer a try before you consider any costly or chemical-filled alternatives. Your patio — and your wallet — will thank you!
For another eco-friendly outdoor hack, check out my guide to clover lawns, a low maintenance alternative to grass lawns.
