Does vinegar really kill weeds? Gardening experts reveal when this DIY solution actually works (and when it doesn't)

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With summer fast approaching, it's time for me to head outside and get my backyard ready for entertaining.And if there’s one hated gardening task for me, it’s tackling those stubborn weeds. Not only do these just spring up in my lawn and patio, but they also push through the gravel in my front yard — completely ruining the overall look of my garden.While I’ve tried all sorts of methods to banish weeds, from chemicals to boiling water, one natural hack always seems to pop up — white vinegar. It seems like white vinegar can do so much more than just remove stubborn stains and unclog drains, and it has long been a non-toxic way to banish weeds.However, since my task of pulling weeds seems relentless, I decided to ask the gardening experts how effective white vinegar really is, when it actually works, and when it doesn’t. So before you take out your spray, here’s what the experts say.Why is white vinegar effective at killing weeds?

person removing weeds growing in yard (Image credit: Shutterstock)So why is white vinegar considered the 'miracle' solution for eliminating weeds? It’s all thanks to acetic acid, which works by rupturing plant cells and causing tissues to dry out. As a contact herbicide, it only damages the parts of the plant it physically touches.“White vinegar contains acetic acid, which has a nasty habit of stripping the waxy coating off a weed's leaves,” adds Michael Wheat, founder of Ponds.“Once that layer goes, the plant can't retain any moisture, and the leaves just shrivel up pretty fast. It's a contact herbicide so it kills what it touches, but it doesn't travel down into the root system, whatever you might be expecting."Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Typically, for best results, mix white vinegar and water in a 50:50 ratio within a spray bottle. Add a small amount of dish soap to this solution — it acts as a sticking agent for better foliage adherence — and shake well until fully combined.When is the best time it actually works?