Mrs Hinch fans share simple hack to get rid of weeds on patio - and it's not vinegar

Grass growing through patio slabs
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


Gardeners are all too familiar with the relentless battle against weeds, which have a knack for sprouting in the most inconvenient spots like between paving stones or in the heart of stunning patio spaces. While reaching for chemical weed killers might seem like an easy solution, there's increasing concern about the harm these substances can cause to pets, wildlife, and the broader environment.

As a result, eco-conscious gardeners are on the hunt for more environmentally friendly ways to eradicate unwanted plants without upsetting their garden's harmony. A hot topic among gardening circles is the use of boiling water, a method that's gaining popularity for its effectiveness.

Devotees of cleaning guru Mrs Hinch have been swapping tips on gardening forums and Facebook groups, as reported by the Express. Julie Lucas, in search of advice, posed a question to fellow green-fingered enthusiasts on Facebook: "Any ideas for killing weeds on patio slabs please? " This sparked a range of suggestions, but it was the boiling water technique that stood out as the top tip.

Gill Cardwell Jones offered her support for this approach: "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 Gill's sentiment, Victoria Jewell added, "I just boil the kettle and pour it on. Kills them straight away! " Other group members like Jean Clough and Kim Hudspeth concurred, praising the efficacy of boiling water. Adding another layer to this hot tip, Natalie Dawson from the group suggested combining "boiling water and salt" as a potent concoction for dealing with troublesome weeds, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Spraying weeds with weed killer
Spraying weeds with weed killer -Credit:Getty

Boiling water serves as a rapid and powerful solution for eliminating weeds. The scorching temperature devastates the roots, causing the unwanted vegetation to wither in mere days.

This method is ideal for use on hard surfaces such as pathways and driveways. However, gardeners are cautioned against using boiling water around grass and desired plants, as it can damage these as well.

Further advice from fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch includes alternative weed-fighting strategies, such as employing salt, white vinegar, and even a specialised weed burner. Irene Ducros simply advised: "Salt - just salt. It does the job. I've been using it for years now and nothing else seems to work."

Jan Mchugh suggested a concoction consisting of: "Mixture of salt, washing up liquid and white vinegar."

Ally East shared her personal experience stating: "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."

Furthermore, Liz Hogan shared her no-nonsense approach: "One litre of white vinegar. Do it when the sun is on it."

Chipping in with advice, Jacqui Spelman disclosed a top tip she learned: "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."

Finally, Paula Forester suggested her favoured technique: "I use a weed burner. It kills right down to the root."

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