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Dealing with unsightly weeds can be a significant hassle, especially during the chilly winter months.
There are many tips and tricks available to tackle this issue, ranging from using salt to investing in weed killers.
Persistent weeds can be managed with an unexpected hackCredit: Getty
While using salt and vinegar may seem effective, it could cause more harm than goodCredit: Getty
However, you don’t have to cover your patio in salt and risk harming wildlife or other plants—this method is effective and budget-friendly.
According to Jonathan Doyle, an expert from Water Drop , using boiling water is one of the most effective methods to eliminate weeds.
“Boiling water is effective because it essentially cooks the cells of the weed. The high temperature destroys the cell structure and proteins of the plant, causing it to die and wither.
“Since this method is chemical-free and environmentally friendly, it solely relies on heat and water, avoiding any toxins in your garden soil or nearby waters,” he explained to the Express .
This technique does not depend on harsh chemicals that could harm local wildlife, and unlike salt, it will not damage the soil either.
In fact, Trevor Knight, an award-winning landscaper and expert at Marshalls , previously noted that using salt can lead to deterioration of your patio.
“Salt seeps into cracks, and when it absorbs moisture, it expands and contracts, resulting in cracking and degradation over time,” Trevor stated.
On the other hand, using boiling water eliminates concerns about causing expensive damage to your patio or the environment.
How it works: simply boil water in a kettle and generously pour it directly over the weeds.
The weeds will appear wilted almost immediately, but don’t be alarmed if it takes several hours or days for the boiling water to take full effect.
You can repeat this process every 24 hours for optimal results as well.
The weeds should look wilted instantly, but it might take a few hours or even a day for them to completely die off.
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