In the world of gardening, weeds are the uninvited guests that just won’t leave. While it’s tempting to reach for commercial weed killers, many of those products are loaded with harsh chemicals that can harm your soil, pets, and even the plants you’re trying to grow. That’s why more and more gardeners are turning to natural alternatives. And if you ask my Nana—who’s been gardening longer than I’ve been alive—there’s nothing better than her homemade weed killer. It’s cheap, chemical-free, and it really works.

Nana’s been using her go-to recipe for decades, and it’s one she learned from her own mother. Back in the day, fancy weed-killing sprays weren’t a thing. Folks had to work with what they had in the kitchen, and it turns out, they were onto something. Her secret weapon? A mix of white vinegar, salt, and dish soap. That’s it. These basic household staples team up to create a powerful, eco-friendly weed killer that gets the job done without poisoning your yard.

Let’s break down why each ingredient plays a key role. First, white vinegar—specifically the kind with 5% acetic acid—is the heavy hitter. It burns through the surface of the plant, breaking down the cell walls and drying it out. Then there’s salt, which dehydrates the weed from the inside, blocking its ability to take in water and nutrients. And finally, the dish soap acts as a surfactant. In simple terms, it helps the vinegar and salt stick to the leaves and break through the plant’s natural waxy coating.

Nana’s mix goes like this: 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Stir the salt into the vinegar until it fully dissolves—it may take a few minutes. Then gently stir in the dish soap. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle or garden sprayer, and you’re ready to go.

But timing is everything. Nana swears by spraying weeds during the hottest, sunniest part of the day. The heat helps the vinegar and salt dry the plant out faster. You’ll usually see results within a few hours, and most weeds are toast within a day or two. Just remember: this mixture is non-selective, meaning it doesn’t care if it’s spraying a weed or your favorite flower. It’ll kill whatever it touches. So be careful where you aim.

Now, while this DIY solution is great for sidewalks, driveways, and gravel paths, it’s not ideal for garden beds where you plan to plant anything else. Salt, in particular, can build up in the soil and make it hard for future plants to grow. So if you’re targeting weeds in a veggie garden or flower bed, try using less salt—or skip it altogether—and spot-treat only the problem areas.

Safety-wise, always wear gloves and avoid getting the mixture in your eyes. It’s still acidic and can cause irritation. Also, be cautious around water sources. You don’t want the salt and vinegar running into ponds, streams, or your backyard fish pond.

Compared to commercial weed killers, Nana’s homemade version might not act quite as fast or be as convenient—but it’s far gentler on your environment. No toxic runoff, no lingering chemicals in the soil, and no risks to your pets or kids playing in the yard. You also get the satisfaction of knowing exactly what you’re using—and it costs just a couple of bucks.

And the proof is in the results. Gardeners across the country have shared stories about using this recipe with great success. One woman said it wiped out the weeds growing between her patio pavers after just one use. Another said her flower beds looked better than ever after switching to Nana’s mix and spot-spraying unwanted growth. It’s even become a go-to solution for those annoying cracks in driveways where weeds love to take root.

Want to get the most out of the recipe? Make sure the weeds are dry when you spray. Moisture can dilute the vinegar and lessen its impact. For extra stubborn weeds, you can up the salt slightly or use a vinegar with a higher acetic acid concentration, like 10%. Just be mindful—more strength means more risk to your soil.

In the end, Nana’s weed killer is proof that sometimes, the old-school way really is the best way. It’s simple, natural, and effective—and it shows that you don’t need fancy chemicals to keep your garden looking its best. So next time those pesky weeds pop up, skip the trip to the store. Trust Nana’s wisdom, grab your vinegar and salt, and take care of those weeds the natural way.