Nothing can ruin your outdoor spaces as quickly as a weed infestation. Whether it’s dandelions infiltrating your lawn or thistles wreaking havoc in your garden, fast action is essential to stop the issue from snowballing out of control.

Situations like these are why it’s always worth keeping some of our weed killer on hand. You can apply Weedex at the first sign of an outbreak. But in the meantime, does boiling water kill weeds? The answer might surprise you.

We’ve seen tons of UK gardeners try using boiling water to kill weeds, and the truth is, it works! Not only is it an effective solution when you don’t have time to wait for a more specialised solution, but it’s 100% chemical free.

So why aren’t more gardeners pouring boiling water on weeds? It’s not without its limitations. It only kills foliage it comes in contact with, leaving behind the root system that actually needs to be addressed. 

Plus, boiling water is going to kill any desired vegetation it contacts as well. It’s also inefficient for larger spaces, and having to transport pots of boiling water around the yard can be downright dangerous. 

We’ll talk more about the pros and cons of using boiling water weed killer below, but just know that the best weed killer in the UK will be far more effective at actually controlling the outbreak. So, take control of your property today with Weedex Super at Jennychem!

Does Boiling Water Kill Weeds?

So does boiling water kill weeds? The short answer is yes. How does boiling water kill weeds though, and is this really the right approach for your yard?

Pouring boiling water on weeds yields immediate results, sending the plant into thermal shock and rupturing its cell walls. You’re basically cooking the weed alive. It becomes dehydrated, wilts rapidly, and eventually dies.

What Types of Weeds Are Most Susceptible

Not all weeds are going to respond to boiling water the same way. Sure, they’ll all wilt and show signs of distress, but some may be more resilient than others. These are the types of weeds most susceptible to death from boiling water:

• Young weeds: Seedlings and newly sprouted weeds haven’t built an established root system yet so they’re easier to kill with heat. Truthfully, though, these will be more susceptible to any weed control measures. 
• Broadleaf weeds: Dandelions and chickweed are good examples of weeds that absorb heat at a higher rate, and thus, will be more affected by boiling water. This is because of their wider leaf surface area.
• Weeds growing in pavement cracks: Any weeds sprouting between bricks, driveways, and patios are more vulnerable since they don’t benefit from soil insulation.
• Weeds in gravel pathways: Similarly, weeds in these areas cannot regrow as easily once their foliage is destroyed because they don’t have a dense soil base.

It’s just as important to know which types of weeds will not be so quick to die from boiling water so you can save yourself the hassle. Bamboo is one example, and Japanese knotweed tends to be fairly impervious to heat as well. 

But really, there are always going to be some limitations when pouring boiling water on weeds.

Limitations of Pouring Boiling Water on Weeds

Boiling water weed killer can definitely be a viable option in some cases. But if you want to learn how to kill weeds permanently, you’ll need something that targets the roots, not just foliage. For instance, bindweed and thistles will typically survive a boiling water treatment.

In this sense, pouring boiling water on weeds is often just a temporary solution. You’ll need to follow up with repeated treatments or pair boiling water weed killer with salt or other proven tactics.

The real reason we are careful about encouraging UK gardeners to use boiling water to kill weeds, though, is that it can sometimes cause more harm than good. It’s non-discriminatory and can cause just as much damage to desired vegetation.

So it’s not a great dandelion killer for lawns, as there’s no way to avoid contact with the grass. Similarly, we wouldn’t recommend using it as a bramble weed killer if you're trying to clear out a vegetable garden.

Of course, there’s also the risk of burning yourself when pouring boiling water on weeds. You need to be very careful. In considering all these drawbacks with the simple fact that using boiling water to kill weeds is quite labour-intensive, you might want to find a better approach.

Don’t worry - we’ll share a few viable alternatives in just a few moments, whether you need the best driveway weed killer to manage clover or the best weedkiller for ivy in your pathways. But for those who are still interested in using boiling water to kill weeds, we’ll offer guidance below.

Tips on Using Boiling Water to Kill Weeds 

It sounds pretty simple - just pour scalding hot water on weeds and watch them wither and die right before your eyes, right? Not quite. There’s a bit more to it if you want to see lasting results from pouring boiling water on weeds. 

First, you should know where and where not to use boiling water for weed control. We mentioned earlier how it's most effective in cracks in pavement or gravel paths since the boiling water can more easily seep into the roots.

We’ve also seen gardeners in the UK report success using boiling water to kill weeds along fence lines. In general, though, this method should be saved for small, isolated patches of weeds. It’s just not practical (or safe) for larger areas, especially if there is desired vegetation. 

How to Apply Boiling Water Safely

As far as actually killing weeds with boiling water goes, follow these tips:

1. Boil water in a kettle or large pot: A kettle with a spout gives you more control when pouring.
2. Wear protective gloves and shoes: Burns are a serious concern with this method, so avoid open-toed shoes and use heat-resistant gloves.
3. Slowly pour directly onto the weed’s base: Target the crown of the weed and any visible roots. Any plant matter you miss will survive. 
4. Avoid splashing: Pour carefully to prevent hot water from reaching wanted plants or causing damage to soil structures.
5. Use a funnel or spout for precision: This helps direct the water exactly where it’s needed.

One more piece of advice is to try and get your hands on a camping stove, or if you have a BBQ with a burner on it, use that. Transporting the boiling water from inside your home to outdoors is the most difficult, time-consuming part of this process.

Repeat Applications for Stubborn Weeds

Ideally you’d pour boiling water on weeds and that would be the end of it. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the outcome. Repeat applications are almost always necessary, especially when fighting perennials and deep-rooted species like dandelions, thistles, or bindweed.

Monitor the weeds after the first application. If you see them wilting but not fully dying off, you’ll want to follow up with another treatment in 24-48 hours. Remove any dead foliage first and then apply again. It could take up to 3 rounds of treatment for full removal.

Should You Pair Boiling Water Weed Killer With Salt?

We mentioned earlier that boiling water weed killer is rarely enough on its own. Many gardeners will instead try killing weeds with boiling water and salt. Wait - does rock salt kill weeds? It sure does, which is why it’s a popular homemade weed killer recipe UK.

Salt dehydrates plants and makes the soil inhospitable for future growth. This can be a double-edged sword, though. Like boiling water, salt will have the same impact on desired vegetation (grass, garden plants, etc) as it does on weeds. 

But the kicker here is that salt lingers in the soil and can cause long-term fertility challenges. So, you need to use it sparingly. Ideally, you’d only try killing weeds with boiling water and salt in areas of the yard where plants won’t ever grow, like driveways or paving stones.

How Long Does Boiling Water Take to Kill Weeds?

No matter what you’re using, you want to know - how long does it take for weed killer to work? Part of the appeal of using boiling water to kill weeds is that it starts working on immediate contact. Small weeds may start wilting within minutes and die off completely within a few hours.

However, broadleaf weeds are a bit more resilient. Visible damage may not show for 1-2 days. Deep-rooted perennials are the most impervious and while they may look damaged at first, they can typically survive since the root system is left intact.

Understanding when to use weed killer will play a part here as well. If you use boiling water weed killer on a hot, sunny day, the effects may be faster since the weeds are already dehydrated as is.

More Efficient, Proven Methods for Killing Weeds

It’s clear that pouring boiling water on weeds works, at least for certain species. While it’s a cheap and chemical-free solution, it may fall short against other species. It’s also impractical in larger areas. We want to share a few better options, including our acetic acid weed killer

Acetic Acid Weed Killers

Acetic acid is the primary compound in vinegar. It just so happens to be a powerful natural herbicide, too. It kills weeds by breaking down plant cells on contact, most notably, broadleaf weeds, grass weeds, and shallow-rooted plants.

It works fairly similar to boiling water, actually, drying out leaves and disrupting cell membranes, ultimately causing the plant to wilt and die within hours. But it’s far more convenient and effective than boiling water. 

Just be advised that acetic acid is non-selective. Like boiling water, it will harm any vegetation it comes in contact with. While it’s easier to control with precision around desired plants, you still need to be very cautious.

That being said, you can effortlessly control any pesky weed problem with Weedex Super from Jennychem. It’s trusted by 10,000+ UK gardeners and backed by a satisfaction guarantee. Order it today to put your weed problem int the past for good!

Flame Weeding for Immediate Control

Boiling water is one way to use heat as a means of weed control. Actually burning them with an open flame is a more direct approach. But do weed burners work? Yes, very well! 

Flame weeding is a fast way to kill weeds without chemicals, especially those in gravel driveways, paving stones, and along fence lines. Basically, you can use a flame weeder in any situation where you’d use boiling water. It’s easier, more efficient, and more effective.

But like boiling water, a propane torch or any other flame-weeding tool has its limits. It only works on surface vegetation. Roots may still survive and lead to regrowth. You need to be really careful using open flames as well.

Manual Removal for Stubborn Weeds

The safest, most surefire way to remove weeds without any chemicals is pulling them out by hand. We know what you’re thinking - who wants to spend a weekend doing that? While it’s not fun and it can take a toll on your hands, hips, and back, it works really well for full removal.

This approach works best for large weeds like dandelions, thistles, and broadleaf varieties. You should await a rainstorm or let the sprinklers run since this will soften the soil for you and make it easier to pull out the entire root system intact.

You can also life easier by using a weeding tool or garden fork. Just know that this method only works if you full the entire root mass out. Any root fragments left behind could turn into a new infestation.

Mulching to Suppress Weed Growth Naturally

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and mulching to suppress weed growth naturally is a perfect example of this. It deprives weeds of light, air, and moisture, stopping them before they even have a chance to start.

The added benefit here is it will improve soil quality and give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive. That’s why it’s great for garden beds, tree bases, and flower borders. Use a thick layer of wood chips, straw, bark, or a synthetic weed barrier. Replenish it regularly as needed.

Pre-Emergent Herbicides for Long-Term Prevention

Most weed killers are applied once there is a problem, but pre-emergent herbicides do things differently. They stop weeds from sprouting before they take root, similar to mulching. We say that to remind you that these will have little to no effect on existing weeds.

This is best for lawns, driveways, and pathways where seasonal weeds like crabgrass and dandelions are a problem. Just do your research into timing to make sure you get it right, as you want to put the product out in early spring or autumn.

Parting Thoughts on Pouring Boiling Water on Weeds

So does boiling water kill weeds? Yes, but with a few key caveats. Killing weeds with boiling water isn’t always going to work against perennials or weeds with a more established root system. It’s also impractical in larger areas, and repeat applications are inevitable.

In saying all that, why not employ a more efficient, effective measure that provides a complete kill the first time around? Boiling water is just one of many methods at your disposal. 

Whether you’re wondering how to get rid of ground elder naturally, what kills nettles permanently, or are worried about weed killer and dogs, look no further than our acetic acid-based solution at Jennychem.

Weedex Super is non-toxic once it dries and works wonders across all the most common weed varieties here in the UK. It’s trusted by tens of thousands of UK gardeners, and once you see what it can do to help you regain control of your property, you’ll understand why. Order now!