Maintaining a clean patio involves combatting unwanted intruders like weeds and moss. These troublesome plants find their way through the smallest cracks between paving stones or on patio surfaces and gravel spots, thriving in the cool, damp, and shaded areas they prefer.
Weed growth on garden patios is influenced by sunlight and organic matter. Even tiny gaps between pavers can collect enough debris to promote weed growth, especially in sheltered, moist areas. Traditional weed killers may work, but they come with several environmental and health risks, as well as being quite costly.
Nancy Birtwhistle, a cleaning and sustainability expert, shared her method of using a combination of boiling water and salt to eradicate weeds from her greenhouse patio, as reported by the Express.
In an Instagram video, Nancy advised against using commercial weed killers, emphasizing their toxicity, environmental impact, and expense. She suggested using boiling water and a sprinkle of salt as an effective, inexpensive, and safe alternative.
After applying boiling water and salt, Nancy revisited the weeds a few days later and found them completely dead. She mentioned that they would not return that season.
Salt works by dehydrating plant tissues, leading to their rapid demise. This method is particularly effective in the gaps between block paving where weeds commonly grow.
By disrupting water balance in plant tissues and inhibiting nutrient absorption, salt can cause weeds to die off completely within three to five days when used correctly.
Since Nancy’s patio weeds were sheltered in her greenhouse, she did not need to reapply the salt solution. However, for exposed patios, the treatment should be repeated to prevent rain from washing away the salt.
In response to Nancy’s method, several supporters tried it themselves, with some achieving success using only boiling water.
User @emma22honey commented: “This works amazingly on slate chip paths. I remember you recommending it last year, and it saved me time, money, and avoided using harsh chemicals.”
Another user, @shereen_410, shared: “I saw this video last year, and I’m so glad I treated my drive and patio. They look so clean now! I used to spend a lot on harmful weed killers, but now I see slower regrowth. Thank you.”
Additionally, user @aligiffj mentioned: “I tried this with just boiling water on some stubborn grass weeds in my shingle (I forgot the salt!), and it worked just as well.”
Lastly, @junglistine said: “Fantastic! Boiling water is my preferred method, but I didn’t know about adding salt.”
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