In gardens or private driveways, annoying weeds may sprout and be difficult to eradicate. If left unattended, not only do they affect the aesthetics but also hinder the growth of other plants. While white vinegar is effective in weed removal, some netizens have suggested another item that may work even better.
A Facebook user posted in the group “Gardening Hints and Tips,” asking, “I have a gravel-covered driveway where I seem to struggle controlling weeds, even when using recommended pathway weed killers. Are they effective on driveways? Or is there something better?”
Following this post, other users chimed in with suggestions. While many agreed that white vinegar and salt are effective, some claimed that laundry detergent works better.
One user replied, “I’ve used salt (weed killer) on pathways, and it works, but for me, laundry detergent is more effective.”
Another user said, “I used some cheap laundry detergent and hot water, and it worked like a charm.” A third user shared, “Laundry detergent works wonders for weeds on gravel; you can see results almost instantly.”
British gardening expert Tom Clifford also endorses this method. He told Ideal Home website that while strong chemical weed killers are effective, they often damage terrace surfaces, especially delicate stone surfaces.
He commented, “Laundry detergent is a gentler option that shouldn’t harm your terrace surface but effectively kills weeds. Additionally, laundry detergent is a common household item, easier to acquire and cheaper than chemical weed killers.”
Laundry detergent contains boron, which is toxic to plants, making it effective in killing weeds. This means you should be cautious when using it to avoid harming nearby plants.
Another gardening expert, Craig Morley, suggests sprinkling some laundry detergent on weeds growing in gravel or terrace gaps, then pour boiling water. Once the weed leaves turn yellow and start wilting, you can easily sweep them away. This trick can also be used to remove moss on pathways.