Do you own or operate a diesel vehicle? If so, you likely have a bottle or two of AdBlue on hand. Many diesel vehicles cannot operate unless they’re properly topped up with AdBlue.
Some people will tell you that you can also use AdBlue as weed killer. Does AdBlue kill weeds? It can, but that’s not its intended use. AdBlue is great for reducing harmful nitrogen oxide emissions. But you’ll find better, more effective weed killers at Jennychem.
Yes, we’re the #1 place to buy AdBlue in the UK. We also recognize that it’s not the smartest choice for killing weeds, though. Fortunately, you can fight off any weed problem with our proven solutions.
We’ve put together this guide to help you understand how AdBlue works in your diesel engine and around your home. You’ll also find superior weed-killing techniques and chemicals. Read on to learn how to kill weeds properly and thoroughly.
What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is a mixture of deionized water and urea. You pour it into the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) filler cap located in your boot or under your bonnet. AdBlue breaks down into ammonia and neutralizes nitrogen oxide when added to the exhaust stream.
Every UK diesel vehicle built after 2015 must have an SCR system. Your SCR vehicle will slow down and stall if it runs dry on AdBlue. But is AdBlue a good weed killer as well? Let’s have a look.
Does AdBlue Kill Weeds?
Does AdBlue kill weeds? You can kill many common garden weeds with an application of AdBlue. But AdBlue is designed for diesel vehicles, not gardens. Here’s more information on why AdBlue is not the best choice for weed killing.
How Does AdBlue Kill Weeds?
Urea is the active ingredient in AdBlue for weed killer. The urea draws moisture out of the weed’s cells and causes sudden, severe dehydration. The plant becomes wilted and brown and can no longer feed itself through photosynthesis.
The nitrogen in urea also breaks down the plant’s metabolic system. It destroys enzymes that are needed for growth.
What Weeds Can AdBlue Kill?
AdBlue is most effective on young weeds or annual weeds with shallow root systems. It works well on plantain, chickweed, and groundsel. A single application will often kill the entire plant.
It’s much less effective against deep-rooted perennial weeds like docks, brambles, and horsetail. And AdBlue will kill or damage any plant it contacts. That includes your lawn, flowers, vegetables, and hedges, so you will have to apply with caution.
How Fast Does AdBlue Kill Weeds?
You’ll typically see visible signs of damage within 24 hours of applying AdBlue for weed killer. The weed wilts and darkens, then turns brown and shrivels as its cells collapse.
The initial shock may kill young weeds and annual weeds outright. But more robust weeds with deeper roots often recover and show signs of new growth within a week or two.
A systemic herbicide may take longer to show damage. But these herbicides are designed to work internally. They soak into the plant’s leaves and travel down to the roots for a thorough and final weed elimination.
Is AdBlue a GOOD Weed Killer, Though?
Is AdBlue a good weed killer? No.
AdBlue makes weeds shrivel and brown quickly, but it doesn’t get to the root of the problem. It’s likely to damage your garden and your lawn along with the weeds. And it’s never been tested and approved for application on driveways or in gardens.
It Doesn’t Target the Roots
AdBlue only damages the parts of the plant that it physically touches. The high urea concentration burns and desiccates the leaves and stem. But it doesn’t travel down the weed’s vascular system to its roots.
Dandelions, nettles, docks, and bindweed have deep, extensive root systems. An AdBlue application might damage their surface, but they’ll soon send up fresh new growth.
Purpose-made herbicides are absorbed by the leaves and transported throughout the entire plant. It may take them longer to show visible results than an AdBlue application. But they ensure the weed is properly eradicated and cannot grow back.
Potential Harm to Surfaces and Soil
AdBlue leaves behind unsightly urea crystals when it evaporates. Scrubbing this residue off paving slabs, tarmac, and concrete can be challenging. It can even cause persistent staining on natural stone. Check our guide to the best weedkiller for block paving for better weed solutions.
AdBlue drastically alters the pH and chemical balance of your soil. It can kill microbes that break down organic matter and release nutrients. Too much AdBlue can sterilise the soil and make it nearly impossible to grow anything else there for some time.
As rain washes AdBlue into the drains, it can cause waterway pollution. A high concentration of urea can cause nitrogen poisoning. Diluted urea becomes a potent nitrogen fertiliser. AdBlue runoff can lead to algal blooms that cause significant ecological damage.
No Control Over Dosage or Application
You have no control over dosage or application rates when you use AdBlue as weed killer. There are no guidelines for how to dilute it or for how much to apply to specific weeds and areas. You’re left to guess for yourself and have no way of knowing how much to use.
Properly formulated herbicides specify exact dilution ratios and application rates. You know that you’re applying enough product to be effective. You’re also minimising waste and environmental impact.
Lacks Regulatory Approval for Use on Weeds
AdBlue has never been tested or approved as a herbicide. This is especially serious if you’re operating in a professional capacity. Groundskeepers, landscapers, and gardeners are violating the law if they use AdBlue as a weed killer. That invalidates your public liability insurance, so use legally authorised products instead.
What Can You Use Instead of AdBlue as Weed Killer?
Now you know why using AdBlue for weed killer is a bad idea. Here are some superior and environmentally friendly solutions
Weedex Super
Do you want the strongest weed killer that kills everything? Look no further than Jennychem’s Weedex Super. It’s a glyphosate-free alternative to harsh chemical solutions like Roundup.
Weedex Super is the best answer for how to get rid of bamboo and other persistent and unwanted weeds. Each bottle comes with detailed instructions on how to use it safely.
Weedex Super uses high-strength acetic acid. Acetic acid is a safe, non-toxic herbicide found in vinegar. It’s a natural solution to your weed problems. Thousands of UK gardeners depend on Weedex Super to keep their lawns and gardens free of unwanted weeds.
Don’t pour untested chemicals in your lawn or garden – use tried and tested Weedex Super!
Hand Pulling Weeds
While it requires a bit of manual effort, hand pulling weeds gives you total control over your weed killing process. You can be sure that every weed is gone. And you don't have to worry that your flowers and vegetables are in danger of chemical exposure.
The best time to pull weeds is after rain. Damp, soft soil releases roots more easily. Grasp the weed firmly at the base and pull with steady, even pressure. Deep-rooted weeds like dandelions may require a hand fork or specialised weed puller.
Natural or DIY Options That Actually Work
Does boiling water kill weeds? Absolutely, if you’re only dealing with a few weeds. Keep in mind that boiling water doesn’t kill root systems. Also be careful, as carrying large pots of boiling water around your yard can be dangerous.
Many people use vinegar as an effective homemade weed killer. Add 4 liters white vinegar (5% acetic acid) and 250 ml epsom salt to a garden sprayer. Shake until the salt dissolves, then add 15 ml of dish soap. For a higher concentration of acetic acid, buy Weedex Super.
Tips on Killing Weeds: Application, Timing, and Follow-Up
Use a sprayer with a narrow, targeted nozzle to minimise drift. Get as close to the target weed as possible. This ensures your weed killer hits the weed where it can be absorbed. It also prevents accidental damage to your lawn or nearby plants.
Choose a calm, dry day when no rain is forecast for at least six hours. Weeds are most vulnerable in the spring and early autumn. Applying a herbicide during these periods will be particularly effective.
Inspect the area a week or two after treatment. Tough weeds may need a second application. Remove the weeds once they are brown and shriveled, remove them. This prevents seeds from spreading.
Consider applying a thick layer of mulch after clearing a patch of soil. It will block sunlight and inhibit new weed growth. Brush a polymer-based compound into the cracks of your patio or porch. This creates a hard barrier that stops new weeds from taking root.
Final Words on Using AdBlue For Weed Killer
Does AdBlue kill weeds? Yes, but there are many better ways to handle a weed infestation. Instead of using AdBlue as weed killer, rely on a herbicide that’s designed for weed killing.
JennyChem’s Weedex Super gets rid of weeds safely, quickly, and thoroughly. It’s a natural solution that will work on even the toughest weeds. There’s no reason to rely on off-label diesel equipment solutions. Trust the weed killer experts – count on JennyChem.
Do you own or operate a diesel vehicle? If so, you likely have a bottle or two of AdBlue on hand. Many diesel vehicles cannot operate unless they’re properly topped up with AdBlue.
Some people will tell you that you can also use AdBlue as weed killer. Does AdBlue kill weeds? It can, but that’s not its intended use. AdBlue is great for reducing harmful nitrogen oxide emissions. But you’ll find better, more effective weed killers at Jennychem.
Yes, we’re the #1 place to buy AdBlue in the UK. We also recognize that it’s not the smartest choice for killing weeds, though. Fortunately, you can fight off any weed problem with our proven solutions.
We’ve put together this guide to help you understand how AdBlue works in your diesel engine and around your home. You’ll also find superior weed-killing techniques and chemicals. Read on to learn how to kill weeds properly and thoroughly.
What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is a mixture of deionized water and urea. You pour it into the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) filler cap located in your boot or under your bonnet. AdBlue breaks down into ammonia and neutralizes nitrogen oxide when added to the exhaust stream.
Every UK diesel vehicle built after 2015 must have an SCR system. Your SCR vehicle will slow down and stall if it runs dry on AdBlue. But is AdBlue a good weed killer as well? Let’s have a look.
Does AdBlue Kill Weeds?
Does AdBlue kill weeds? You can kill many common garden weeds with an application of AdBlue. But AdBlue is designed for diesel vehicles, not gardens. Here’s more information on why AdBlue is not the best choice for weed killing.
How Does AdBlue Kill Weeds?
Urea is the active ingredient in AdBlue for weed killer. The urea draws moisture out of the weed’s cells and causes sudden, severe dehydration. The plant becomes wilted and brown and can no longer feed itself through photosynthesis.
The nitrogen in urea also breaks down the plant’s metabolic system. It destroys enzymes that are needed for growth.
What Weeds Can AdBlue Kill?
AdBlue is most effective on young weeds or annual weeds with shallow root systems. It works well on plantain, chickweed, and groundsel. A single application will often kill the entire plant.
It’s much less effective against deep-rooted perennial weeds like docks, brambles, and horsetail. And AdBlue will kill or damage any plant it contacts. That includes your lawn, flowers, vegetables, and hedges, so you will have to apply with caution.
How Fast Does AdBlue Kill Weeds?
You’ll typically see visible signs of damage within 24 hours of applying AdBlue for weed killer. The weed wilts and darkens, then turns brown and shrivels as its cells collapse.
The initial shock may kill young weeds and annual weeds outright. But more robust weeds with deeper roots often recover and show signs of new growth within a week or two.
A systemic herbicide may take longer to show damage. But these herbicides are designed to work internally. They soak into the plant’s leaves and travel down to the roots for a thorough and final weed elimination.
Is AdBlue a GOOD Weed Killer, Though?
Is AdBlue a good weed killer? No.
AdBlue makes weeds shrivel and brown quickly, but it doesn’t get to the root of the problem. It’s likely to damage your garden and your lawn along with the weeds. And it’s never been tested and approved for application on driveways or in gardens.
It Doesn’t Target the Roots
AdBlue only damages the parts of the plant that it physically touches. The high urea concentration burns and desiccates the leaves and stem. But it doesn’t travel down the weed’s vascular system to its roots.
Dandelions, nettles, docks, and bindweed have deep, extensive root systems. An AdBlue application might damage their surface, but they’ll soon send up fresh new growth.
Purpose-made herbicides are absorbed by the leaves and transported throughout the entire plant. It may take them longer to show visible results than an AdBlue application. But they ensure the weed is properly eradicated and cannot grow back.
Potential Harm to Surfaces and Soil
AdBlue leaves behind unsightly urea crystals when it evaporates. Scrubbing this residue off paving slabs, tarmac, and concrete can be challenging. It can even cause persistent staining on natural stone. Check our guide to the best weedkiller for block paving for better weed solutions.
AdBlue drastically alters the pH and chemical balance of your soil. It can kill microbes that break down organic matter and release nutrients. Too much AdBlue can sterilise the soil and make it nearly impossible to grow anything else there for some time.
As rain washes AdBlue into the drains, it can cause waterway pollution. A high concentration of urea can cause nitrogen poisoning. Diluted urea becomes a potent nitrogen fertiliser. AdBlue runoff can lead to algal blooms that cause significant ecological damage.
No Control Over Dosage or Application
You have no control over dosage or application rates when you use AdBlue as weed killer. There are no guidelines for how to dilute it or for how much to apply to specific weeds and areas. You’re left to guess for yourself and have no way of knowing how much to use.
Properly formulated herbicides specify exact dilution ratios and application rates. You know that you’re applying enough product to be effective. You’re also minimising waste and environmental impact.
Lacks Regulatory Approval for Use on Weeds
AdBlue has never been tested or approved as a herbicide. This is especially serious if you’re operating in a professional capacity. Groundskeepers, landscapers, and gardeners are violating the law if they use AdBlue as a weed killer. That invalidates your public liability insurance, so use legally authorised products instead.
What Can You Use Instead of AdBlue as Weed Killer?
Now you know why using AdBlue for weed killer is a bad idea. Here are some superior and environmentally friendly solutions
Weedex Super
Do you want the strongest weed killer that kills everything? Look no further than Jennychem’s Weedex Super. It’s a glyphosate-free alternative to harsh chemical solutions like Roundup.
Weedex Super is the best answer for how to get rid of bamboo and other persistent and unwanted weeds. Each bottle comes with detailed instructions on how to use it safely.
Weedex Super uses high-strength acetic acid. Acetic acid is a safe, non-toxic herbicide found in vinegar. It’s a natural solution to your weed problems. Thousands of UK gardeners depend on Weedex Super to keep their lawns and gardens free of unwanted weeds.
Don’t pour untested chemicals in your lawn or garden – use tried and tested Weedex Super!
Hand Pulling Weeds
While it requires a bit of manual effort, hand pulling weeds gives you total control over your weed killing process. You can be sure that every weed is gone. And you don't have to worry that your flowers and vegetables are in danger of chemical exposure.
The best time to pull weeds is after rain. Damp, soft soil releases roots more easily. Grasp the weed firmly at the base and pull with steady, even pressure. Deep-rooted weeds like dandelions may require a hand fork or specialised weed puller.
Natural or DIY Options That Actually Work
Does boiling water kill weeds? Absolutely, if you’re only dealing with a few weeds. Keep in mind that boiling water doesn’t kill root systems. Also be careful, as carrying large pots of boiling water around your yard can be dangerous.
Many people use vinegar as an effective homemade weed killer. Add 4 liters white vinegar (5% acetic acid) and 250 ml epsom salt to a garden sprayer. Shake until the salt dissolves, then add 15 ml of dish soap. For a higher concentration of acetic acid, buy Weedex Super.
Tips on Killing Weeds: Application, Timing, and Follow-Up
Use a sprayer with a narrow, targeted nozzle to minimise drift. Get as close to the target weed as possible. This ensures your weed killer hits the weed where it can be absorbed. It also prevents accidental damage to your lawn or nearby plants.
Choose a calm, dry day when no rain is forecast for at least six hours. Weeds are most vulnerable in the spring and early autumn. Applying a herbicide during these periods will be particularly effective.
Inspect the area a week or two after treatment. Tough weeds may need a second application. Remove the weeds once they are brown and shriveled, remove them. This prevents seeds from spreading.
Consider applying a thick layer of mulch after clearing a patch of soil. It will block sunlight and inhibit new weed growth. Brush a polymer-based compound into the cracks of your patio or porch. This creates a hard barrier that stops new weeds from taking root.
Final Words on Using AdBlue For Weed Killer
Does AdBlue kill weeds? Yes, but there are many better ways to handle a weed infestation. Instead of using AdBlue as weed killer, rely on a herbicide that’s designed for weed killing.
JennyChem’s Weedex Super gets rid of weeds safely, quickly, and thoroughly. It’s a natural solution that will work on even the toughest weeds. There’s no reason to rely on off-label diesel equipment solutions. Trust the weed killer experts – count on JennyChem.