Citric acid adds extra acidity to the mixture. When combined with vinegar, it can make the spray more effective on the leaves of unwanted weeds.
It helps weaken the outer tissue of the plant, especially when the leaves are fully coated.
Liquid Dish Soap
Dish soap does not kill weeds by itself, but it helps the mixture stick to the leaves. Many plant leaves have a waxy surface that causes liquid to roll off.
A small amount of dish soap breaks the surface tension, allowing the vinegar and citric acid to stay on the weed longer.
Homemade Weed Killer Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 liter white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons kitchen salt
- 1 tablespoon citric acid
- 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap
Instructions:
- Pour the white vinegar into a clean spray bottle or garden sprayer.
- Add the salt and citric acid.
- Shake well until the salt and citric acid dissolve as much as possible.
- Add the dish soap last and shake gently.
- Spray directly onto the leaves of the weeds.
Avoid spraying on windy days, because the mixture can drift onto plants you want to keep.
Best Time to Apply It
The best time to use this homemade weed spray is on a warm, sunny, dry day. Try to apply it in the morning when no rain is expected for at least 24 hours.
If it rains too soon after application, the mixture may wash away before it has enough time to work.
Where You Should Use It
