Gardener's 'magic' tip to remove patio weeds 'in minutes' without using vinegar

Close-up of weed growing in gravel driveway in a UK garden. Weed control and weedkiller concepts.
-Credit: (Image: PaulMaguire)


Gardening enthusiasts often struggle with weeds marring their patios and gravelled spaces, not unlike the pesky moss that invades patios and lawns.

There are numerous hacks out there for tackling weeds, yet many carry the risk of harming your garden's delicate ecosystem as well as potentially damaging paving, gravel, or plants due to the chemicals they contain.

A frequently proposed method is dousing the weeds with white vinegar, but this has been advised against by patio expert Simon Wardle from Armstrong Cheshire. He warns: "This is not always advisable, as the acid can damage the surface of the stones, particularly limestone or concrete pavers, as well as being harmful to wildlife and plants."

Simon, however, suggests a clever alternative for those who enjoy their tea piping hot - pouring boiling water directly from the kettle, a tactic he calls the "perfect solution".

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Mid adult Black woman turning on an electric kettle to make herself tea
Scaldingly hot water kills weeds -Credit:miodrag ignjatovic

For both entrenched weeds and fresh growth, the specialist guarantees that this ingenious tip "will remove unsightly weeds from your patio and gravel for free", reports the Express.

He further specifies the efficacy of this technique: "This targeted method not only means your patio will end up weed-free, but it ensures there's no damage to your patio, or the environment, as there is no leftover residue left around."

"You should start to see results in minutes as the boiling water breaks down the weed - with full results in hours."

To deploy this strategy, all one needs to do is fill a kettle to the brim with water and bring it to a rolling boil.

A boiling kettle might just become the secret weapon in your gardening arsenal against stubborn weeds. Simon's top gardening hack involves securely carrying a hot kettle to the yard, carefully targeting weeds, and soaking them right at their core.

He assured green-fingered folks that if they "wait for the magic to happen", the weedy invaders would wilt "in minutes", reminding them to reapply the hot water strategy whenever these unwanted guests reappear.

A senior man in his 70s cleans his patio stone slabs using a pressure washer. The man wears a green and blue check shirt with a green gilet.
Unlike vinegar, water won't damage your patio -Credit:coldsnowstorm

The science behind this sizzling tactic is simple; the boiling water "scalds the weeds by killing the leaves", which play a crucial role in photosynthesis and help the weeds stay strong and resilient.

Simons insights continue, as he notes that when poured, the heated water penetrates deep into nooks and crannies, weakening and sometimes even removing stubborn taproots with ease.

This scorching solution is perfect for tricky spots like driveways and patios but comes with a pair of cautions for any garden enthusiast ready to declare war on weeds.

Its vital to avoid splashing this organic herbicide on lawn weeds or cherished garden flowers. Simon highlights that the extreme heat will not only "will kill" both the grass and roots but can also strip defenses from leaves and damage plant roots - especially those that are still young.