LifestyleGardeningGardeningWeeds on patios and paving can feel like a losing battle, but one gardener's method could have them gone in hours08:47, 08 Jun 2026Weeds are a persistent nuisance, sprouting up wherever there's a gap, most frequently between the cracks of pavements and patios. They're stubborn, unsightly and can feel like a never-ending battle as they spread rapidly. Fortunately, there are several ways to eliminate them without spending hours scraping away or resorting to harsh chemicals.‌Posting on the Gardening Tips UK Facebook page, one gardener revealed her ultimate tip. Sandra Adams wrote: "Just thought I'd share the foolproof hack I use in my clients' gardens to get rid of weeds. I usually don't go for natural ingredients, but this specific family had a lot of dogs.‌"I bought some horticultural vinegar and just used that across all the weeds they had in the paving.‌"The weeds were gone within hours, and shrivelled up instantly."Horticultural vinegar is a concentrated acetic acid solution, typically around 10 to 20%.‌It's considerably stronger than standard household vinegar, making it a powerful weed killer — though it will destroy any plant it comes into contact with, so take care to keep it away from plants you wish to preserve.Sandra continued: "It was so cheap, too. I got around 5L for under £5, and I don't think I'll use anything besides this and my hands to get rid of weeds again."Fellow gardeners flooded the comments section, with many surprised to learn that horticultural vinegar was so readily available, while others expressed their gratitude to Sandra.‌Tim Johnson commented: "I saw some of this in the garden centre the other day, so I'll be going back there to pick it up."One anonymous group member commented: "I have just got the keys to my new house, and it is covered in weeds. I'll try this tip, thanks so much."To get the best results, always follow the manufacturer's guidelines, as certain products need to be diluted while others can be used straight from the bottle.Article continues belowOther ways to get rid of weeds include manually pulling them up and pouring boiling water or salt on them.However, as with vinegar, it is important not to let salt or boiling water come into contact with any nearby plants.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Gardening