Gardeners say kitchen staple is ‘better’ than vinegar at killing gravel weeds

Garden enthusiasts have shared a household item they claim is “better” than white vinegar for eradicating stubborn gravel weeds. Gravel paths and driveways can quickly become an eyesore when overgrown with weeds, turning a tidy outdoor area into a chaotic wilderness.

The struggle to eliminate these unwanted intruders is a common struggle among gardeners. However, gardening enthusiasts have discovered a trick that goes beyond white vinegar and claims to wipe out weeds “almost instantly”.

The best part? This miracle solution is probably already in your kitchen cupboard. Members of the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group revealed this clever tip after a member asked for advice on dealing with persistent weeds in their gravel driveway.

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They wrote: “I’ve seen a lot of posts lately about using white vinegar and salt to kill weeds,” reports the Express. “I have a gravel driveway and I can’t keep the weeds at bay even with the recommended weed killer for trails.

“Would it work on the drive or is there something better? There are no other plants nearby and it’s not like I’m planting anything on the drive in the future.”

Group members were quick to respond with their suggestions, and while many advocated the use of white vinegar and salt as effective solutions, they pointed to something even better – washing powder.

One resident said: “We used to use salt on my driveway and it works, but washing powder was better for me.” Another resident added: “I’ve had success with some cheap soap powder and boiling water.” A third resident said: “The washing powders are amazing on the gravel weeds. You can see the results almost instantly.”

Gardening expert Tom Clifford previously shared with Ideal Home a nifty trick for those looking to avoid harsh chemicals: “Strong chemical weeders, although effective, can often be harmful to your patio surface, especially if they’re made of delicate stone.”

Washing powder offers a milder option that shouldn’t harm the patio surface, but will effectively kill weeds. In addition, washing powder is a common household item, which makes it much more accessible and affordable than chemical herbicides.

Contains the plant-toxic substance boron, can be used as an effective against weeds. However, caution is advised as it can also harm desired plants.

To apply, simply sprinkle washing powder on the affected area and splash with boiling water.