If you’re looking for a simple homemade way to tackle weeds around your yard, this DIY weed killer spray is an easy recipe to keep on hand. Made with household vinegar, salt, dish soap, and a few essential oils, this spray is designed to help control young, unwanted weeds without relying on a commercial weed killer.

This homemade weed killer works best on young annual weeds that haven’t had much time to establish deep roots. The vinegar helps dry out the plant foliage, while the salt can make the area less hospitable for plants. Dish soap helps the solution spread across the leaves so the mixture can make better contact with the plant.

The essential oils add a strong botanical scent to the mixture, with clove, cinnamon, and lemongrass creating a potent-smelling blend. They aren’t necessary for the basic weed-killing action, but they make a nice addition to this homemade garden spray.

One important thing to remember is that this is a non-selective weed killer. That means it doesn’t distinguish between weeds and plants you want to keep. If the spray lands on grass, flowers, vegetables, or other desirable vegetation, it can damage them as well. Apply it carefully and directly to the weeds you’re trying to remove.

This recipe is particularly useful for weeds growing in cracks in sidewalks, driveways, patios, gravel paths, and other areas where you’re trying to keep vegetation under control. Avoid using it where you want healthy plants or soil, especially because repeated applications of salt can accumulate in the soil and make it difficult for plants to grow.

For the best results, apply the spray on a dry, sunny day when rain isn’t expected. Young weeds are generally easier to control than mature, established plants. If weeds return or rain washes away the treatment, you may need to reapply.

How To Make Weed Killer Spray

For this DIY, you will need distilled vinegar, table salt, dish soap, and essential oils.

Add the dish soap to the vinegar and stir gently to combine.

In a separate small container, add the clove, cinnamon bark, and lemongrass essential oils to the salt. Stir until the oils are distributed throughout the salt.

Add the salt mixture to the vinegar and stir until the salt is incorporated.

Carefully pour the finished solution into an 8-ounce spray bottle.

Secure the spray nozzle and gently shake before using.

To apply, spray directly onto the leaves of young weeds, taking care to avoid nearby plants and vegetation you want to keep.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weeds does this work best on?

This spray works best on young annual weeds with smaller root systems. Mature or perennial weeds may require repeated treatments or another method of control.

Can I spray this around my garden?

Use extreme caution around garden beds. This is a non-selective spray, meaning it can damage desirable plants just as easily as weeds. The salt can also accumulate in soil with repeated applications.

Will this kill grass?

Yes. This solution can damage or kill grass and other vegetation it contacts, so avoid spraying lawns or areas where you want plants to grow.

When should I apply weed killer?

A warm, dry, sunny day is ideal. Avoid applying it when rain is expected soon, as rainfall can wash the solution away before it has time to work.

Do I need to reapply it?

You may need to reapply if weeds regrow or if rain occurs shortly after application. Established weeds may also require repeated treatments.

Why is dish soap included?

Dish soap helps the liquid spread across the plant’s leaves and improves contact between the solution and the foliage.

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