Weeds are an unfortunate problem in lawns and gardens. Weeds steal the nutrients away from your plants making them compete for what is rightfully theirs. Many weed killers are available for purchase at garden centres and department stores. However, they typically contain harsh chemicals that are toxic to not only the weeds but also humans, pets and wildlife. Fortunately, you can create your own less toxic homemade weed killer by mixing liquid dish soap, salt and bleach. You can combine those three common household items together or use them each as their own separate method to remove weeds from your garden and lawn.

  • Weeds are an unfortunate problem in lawns and gardens.
  • You can combine those three common household items together or use them each as their own separate method to remove weeds from your garden and lawn.

Bring 2 cups of water and 1 cup of table salt to a boil on your stove. Let the mixture cool before continuing.

Pour the mixture into a small bucket. Add 2 cups of household bleach and 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap. The liquid dish soap is not toxic to plants but it helps the bleach and salt to stick on the weeds more effectively. Mix the contents with a wooden spoon. Fill a clean spray bottle with the mixture.

Mist the weeds with the mixture to thoroughly coat the weed's leaves and stems. Only apply the mixture to the unwanted weeds. Accidentally misting plants and grass with the mixture may kill them.

  • Pour the mixture into a small bucket.
  • Mist the weeds with the mixture to thoroughly coat the weed's leaves and stems.

Repeat step 3 every two to three days until the weeds have wilted and died. Pull the dead weeds out of the ground using your gloved hands. Use a gardening shovel to dig out hard-to-remove weeds. Do not compost the weeds; instead, place them inside a garbage bag and dispose of them.

WARNING

Wear rubber gloves when working with bleach to prevent possible skin irritation. Do not mix bleach with ammonia or products containing ammonia.