Claims like “THIS burns weeds in 1 day! They NEVER grow again” are almost always exaggerated.Some homemade weed killers—such as mixtures containing vinegar, salt, or dish soap—can burn the leaves of weeds quickly, making them appear dead within a day. However:
- They usually don’t kill the roots, especially of perennial weeds like dandelions or bindweed, so the weeds often grow back.
- Salt can damage the soil, making it difficult for desirable plants to grow in the same area.
- Household vinegar (about 5% acetic acid) is generally less effective than commercial horticultural vinegar, and even stronger vinegar doesn’t reliably prevent regrowth from established roots.
- There is no simple homemade treatment that guarantees weeds “never grow again.”
For longer-lasting control:
- Pull or dig out the entire root system.
- Apply mulch to suppress new weeds.
- Use an appropriate herbicide according to the label if you choose chemical control.
- Repeated treatment is often necessary for persistent perennial weeds.
If you have a particular weed you’re trying to eliminate, tell me what it is or share a photo, and I can suggest the most effective control method.
