Whether your brand-new paving bricks have just been freshly laid, or you’ve been enjoying your patio space for several years already, at some point, you’re likely to notice groups of weeds sprouting from between the gaps. Unfortunately, no matter how well you care for patios, no materials are immune to the potential growth of weeds. A natural nuisance, but easily controllable, weed growth between your pavers is an inevitability that all gardeners will need to manage.
However, just because your patio or driveway will one day see weeds sneaking their way through the cracks, that doesn’t mean you can’t stop weeds between pavers from becoming an issue. Taking to their Instagram page @crafty_morning, life hack enthusiast Michelle has demonstrated “the natural, cheapest way to get rid of weeds”.
While most home remedies of getting rid of paving weeds involve ingredients like white vinegar, table or rock salt and lemon juice, Michelle has opted for something natural and safer to the environment – boiling water.
Wearing protective gloves for this hack, Michelle poured boiling water over her paving weeds to kill them.
She then checked in on them “three days later”, and they appeared to have turned brown and died.
Boiling water is effective because it can penetrate deep into the gaps of the patio, reaching the roots, and the heat will thoroughly cook the weed, ensuring that every part of it is destroyed.
How to remove weeds from patios and paving with boiling water
Simply fill the kettle with water, allow it to boil, and then carefully take it outside. This step can be quite nerve-wracking, so take your time and clear any obstacles from the floor to prevent tripping.
Next, extend your arm and hold the kettle at a distance over the weeds to minimise any splashback. Pour the water as gently as possible. This will kill the stem in contact and soak the root base, making it easy to remove them.
In the following days, you should notice the weeds beginning to wilt, turn brown, dry out, and completely die.
Finally, all that’s left to do is sweep the dead weeds off the patio with a broom and dispose of them in the garden waste bin.
To stop patio weeds returning once removed, it is worth sealing the gaps between them and giving them a regular sweep. Sweeping takes no time at all and can be done weekly whenever you get the chance.
