How to permanently get rid of the weeds?

We want to keep our yard dryscaped. What is the best soil sanitizer to use? Also, we live in California which prohibits a lot of the products.

  7 answers
  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 07, 2018

    You can make this in bigger volume:


    1 Tbsp - 1/2 cup plain table salt


    5% white vinegar


    Squirt of liquid dish detergent


    Mix the first 2 together in an empty plastic bottle then add detergent. I used this around my driveway and it worked great.



  • You will never get rid of weeds permanently, e v e r. Laws of mother nature! Weeds are spread by wind, wildlife and people. All you can do it go after them as they appear. If using Xeriscaping which is so popular, they are easy to dig out or kill then dig out. I use boiling water (2 kettles a day); epsom salt followed by boiling water or spray with vinegar then dig out when dead.

    • See 1 previous
    • That will work! And any weeds that pop up between the rocks can easily be plucked out as they are shallow rooted. You will still have a beautiful yard that is water wise and low maintenance. 🌿

  • Here's what I do...take a spray bottle and cover the bottom with salt. Fill it with vinegar and a squirt or two of dish soap. Shake and spray on the weeds. Vinegar and salt are natural products, so this should not be a problem for you. The dish soap just helps the solution stick to the weeds. You will have to reapply after it rains. Good luck Schelley!

  • Mary Mary on Sep 08, 2018
    All you need is vinegar. That's all I use and it kills anything you squirt it on. No dish soap is needed, no salt, nothing but vinegar. Try it and you'll see. If you put the vinegar on what your trying to kill while the sun is out, the weeds will show signs of dying within a couple of hours. Buy a lot of vinegar now, as many people are canning pickles and other items, so most stores have vinegar on sale. I am paying $1.98 per gallon.
  • Beth Sattler Beth Sattler on Sep 08, 2018

    thirty (30) per cent vinegar is all you need

  • For28409310 For28409310 on Sep 08, 2018

    I use vinegar full strength in a spray bottle. Kills what you spray it on. Absolutely works great! Good luck!

    • Judi Judi on Sep 08, 2018

      Will it kill plants that are nearby? Say appx. a foot away?

  • For28409310 For28409310 on Sep 08, 2018

    NO! It only kills what you spray it on directly. Good luck!