Annoying weeds can sprout up just about anywhere, but an expert has claimed that using a common household item could help get rid of them in no time at all
Angela Patrone Senior Lifestyle Reporter, Chanelle Georgina Senior Audience Writer and Talya Honebeek Content Editor – Spare Time
09:45, 29 Mar 2025
Weeds can make a driveway look scruffy(Image: Getty)
Weeds have a talent for popping up where they’re least wanted, like through the gravel path just outside your door. They often originate from seeds dispersed by the wind, animals, or even the soles of our shoes.
Once these seeds find a moist and humid spot, they sprout roots and begin their takeover, poking through pavement cracks, gravel, or overtaking other plants. It’s a common headache for gardeners, including one who took to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook group in search of a solution, reports the Express.
Suzie Briggs posed the question: “I’ve seen lots of posts lately about the use of white vinegar and salt for weed killing. I have a gravel covered drive and can’t seem to keep the weeds in check, even using the recommended weed killer for paths. Would they work on the drive or is there something better?”
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Fellow green-fingered enthusiasts weighed in with advice, nodding to the effectiveness of white vinegar and salt but pointing to an even mightier weapon from the laundry room – washing powder.
Simone Mister shared her experience: “I used to use salt on my alleyway and it works, but washing powder was better for me.”
Gravel weeds are a common issue(Image: Getty)
Echoing this sentiment, Sarah McEvoy confirmed the success of this method, saying: “I had success with some cheap soap powder and boiling water.” Vera Hill added: “Laundry powders are amazing on gravel weeds. You can see the results almost instantly.”
In a conversation with Ideal Home, a gardening expert from Gardenstone suggested that washing powder is a more “gentler” alternative to harsh chemical weed killers. The gardening guru, Tom Clifford, confirmed that washing powder “will effectively kill weeds”.
Tom explained: “In addition, washing powder is a regular household item, making it much more accessible and affordable than chemical weed killers.”
Washing powder could be effective at removing weeds(Image: Getty)
The reason this approach works so well is that washing powder contains boron – deadly to plants – which means any unwanted greenery will begin to die upon contact.
To make the most of washing powder in your fight against pesky weeds, generously scatter the granules into gaps on gravel or patios, followed by a pour of boiling hot water. Once the weed starts to wilt, a quick sweep should remove them completely.
Although boiling water is recommended, it’s important to note that it will damage any plant it touches, so caution is advised when employing this technique.
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