How to Make a Weed Killer

Overview

Weeds are the bane of any gardener's existence. They come into the garden and take over the turf, using up fertilizer, soil and water. Luckily, there are many ways to kill them, and not all of them require back-breaking labor. You can make your own liquid weed killer using nontoxic chemicals you probably have in your home already. Then all you have to do is spray it on the weeds and watch them wither within a few hours.

Step 1

Put 2/3 quart of water into a metal pot and place the pot on the stove. Heat it on high until the water reaches a boil. It doesn't have to be a rolling boil, just the first appearance of bubbles. Turn off the heat and remove the pot from the stove. Pour the water into your garden sprayer, using a funnel to help you if needed.

Step 2

Add ½ cup of any dish soap that does not contain bleach or abrasives. Shake or swish the sprayer to mix the soap with the water until you notice a good amount of lather in the water.

Step 3

Pour one cup of white household vinegar into the sprayer. Shake or swish the sprayer again to finish mixing your weed killer. Make sure the solution becomes uniform, with the vinegar evenly distributed.

Step 4

Spray the weeds by holding the sprayer above them at a 45 degree angle. You only need to hold the nozzle within 3 or 4 inches of the plants.