Whether you’re dealing with brambles or ivy, nettles or horsetails, there are so many different weed killers (herbicides) you can choose from. 

However, those looking for a kid or dog friendly weed killer may find themselves considering the natural herbicidal power of acetic acid. Not only is it safe once it dries, but it’s readily available - you may even have some vinegar at home you can use as part of your DIY weed killer recipe.

The only concern is effectiveness. So, how does acetic acid kill weeds? More importantly, is acetic acid a good weed killer? We’ll show you why it’s actually one of the strongest weed killer options you have at your disposal here in this guide.

Acetic acid works as a desiccant, drying plant tissue and slowly killing it from the inside out. It’s a non-selective herbicide that works fast to eradicate even the toughest weed varieties, so yes - we believe it’s not just a good weed killer, but one of the best!

Learn more about using acetic acid to kill weeds below to set yourself up for success in restoring your outdoor spaces to their former glory. Better yet, pick up Weedex Super today as it’s the UK’s #1 choice for acetic acid weed killer. Find out why for yourself today! 

What is Acetic Acid?

First things first, what is acetic acid exactly? Known chemically as CH₃COOH, this colourless organic compound is what gives vinegar its distinctive sour taste and pungent smell.

It’s referred to as glacial acetic acid in its pure form due to its solidification at low temperatures. It’s also known as a relatively weak acid, meaning it only partially dissociates in solution. It’s far less aggressive than alternatives, such as hydrochloric acid.

Common Uses 

We’ll talk specifically about using acetic acid to kill weeds in just a few moments, but what are some of the other common uses for this acid? At low concentrations (around 5-8%), it is a primary component of vinegar, commonly used in cooking and food preservation.

It serves as a powerful cleaning agent in higher concentrations, capable of dissolving mineral deposits, grease, and grime. Acetic acid is also used industrially in the production of synthetic fibres, plastics, and various chemicals, including acetate, acetone, and esters.

Concentration Levels of Acetic Acid

It’s important to distinguish between various concentrations of this acid, as this will influence how effective it is as a weed killer. Here are some of the different varieties you have access to here in the UK:

• Household Vinegar: Typically contains 5-8% acetic acid for culinary uses and general household cleaning.
• Horticultural Vinegar: Contains around 20% acetic acid for agricultural applications such as weed control due to its more potent herbicidal properties.
• Industrial Glacial Acetic Acid: Pure acetic acid (99-100%) is used in chemical synthesis and industrial applications. It’s highly corrosive and requires careful handling and protective gear.

Is Acetic Acid a Good Weed Killer?

Now, is acetic acid a good weed killer? Let’s look at how acetic acid works as an herbicide first.

How Does Acetic Acid Kill Weeds?

So, how does acetic acid kill weeds? It’s a nonselective contact herbicide, which means it kills any plant matter it comes in contact with. This can be a blessing and a curse as it works well against a variety of plants, but it could also harm desired vegetation.

It quickly penetrates the foliage of a plant’s outer layer to damage cells, causing them to desiccate and die rapidly. In other words, it causes dehydration that kills the plant.

It’s especially effective against young, small, tender weeds that are still growing. Once a plant has become very established with deep roots and hardened stems it may not be as effective. Learn more about how weed killer works in our blog. 

How Long Does it Take Acetic Acid to Kill Weeds?

In terms of how long for weed killer to work, you can expect to see visible effects within hours of application. The treated foliage may start wilting and browning soon after contact. Complete desiccation of the foliage typically occurs within 24 hours.

The fast-acting nature of acetic acid is part of what makes it such a popular choice as a weed killer. As with most things though, the actual speed of results will vary based on the type of weed, its growth stage, the concentration of acetic acid you’re using, how well you apply the herbicide, and other environmental conditions.

Don’t worry - we’ll set you up for success in using acetic acid to kill weeds in just a moment. First, though, we want to cover a few drawbacks of using acetic acid as weed killer.

Drawbacks of Using Acetic Acid as a Weed Killer

There’s no question that acetic acid can be a good weed killer. You do need to carefully consider whether it’s actually the ideal solution for your weed problem or not, though.

Acetic acid can harm any plant it contacts, including desirable garden plants. Precision in application is crucial to prevent unintentional damage. 

Given its contact mechanism of action, it may not kill perennial weeds with deep root systems on the first attempt. These plants will be better suited to systemic herbicides, or you may just need to apply acetic acid more than once.

Similarly, mature and well-established weeds, especially those with woody stems, may be more resistant to acetic acid. These may require additional methods for complete eradication.

All things considered, though, acetic acid is an excellent herbicide, especially given its non-toxic nature. Once the acid dries, it is no longer a danger to animals or humans. Learn how long for weed killer to dry in our blog. In the meantime, let’s share some tips on using acetic acid to kill weeds naturally. 

Tips on Using Acetic Acid to Kill Weeds Naturally

Part of what makes using acetic acid as weed killer so enticing is its straightforward usability. You may even have a strong enough vinegar solution on hand to try out! Grab your garden sprayer and let’s get to work. 

Sourcing Acetic Acid

As we touched on earlier, not all forms of acetic acid are created equal. Choosing the right type and concentration can make or break your results.

Household vinegar is a solid option if you’re in a pinch, but at just 5-8% acetic acid, it’ll likely only be effective on young, tender weeds. Tougher, more established weeds will need a concentration of at least 20% to 30% acetic acid.

Fortunately, horticultural vinegar is readily available at most garden centres. Or, if you don’t mind waiting a few days for us to deliver it to your doorstep, you can set yourself up for success with our weedkiller at Jennychem! We’ll show you why it’s the #1 choice in just a few moments.

Preparation and Safety Measures

Acetic acid may be non-toxic once it dries, but in the meantime, you need to exercise caution in handling it. Always wear gloves, goggles, and long sleeves to protect your skin and eyes from splashes. High concentrations can cause severe irritation or burns.

You can often use the product neat - but if you’re diluting it, mix it in a well-ventilated area. Use clean, non-reactive containers (like plastic or glass) to avoid unwanted chemical reactions.

Clearly label your acetic acid solution, especially if stored in containers that might be mistaken for food-grade vinegar, to prevent accidental ingestion.

Optimal Application Conditions

Choosing when to spray weed killer can influence how effective the product is. We suggest a dry, sunny day with no wind. Sunlight enhances the desiccation process, and lack of wind reduces the risk of drift onto desirable plants.

Apply acetic acid in the morning to allow a full day of sun exposure, which increases the herbicidal effect. The ground should be damp/moist, but not saturated.

Ideally, you’d apply the product while the plant is still in its active growth stage. This may result in the plant transporting some of the acetic acid into the rest of its system, including the root mass, for a more complete kill.

Application Techniques

As far as how to use weed killer goes, simply load up your garden sprayer and get to work! Even a small spray bottle will suffice for more targeted application. 

Ensure thorough coverage of the weed foliage. Apply until the leaves are wet but not dripping, as excess runoff can affect nearby vegetation. 

Persistent or perennial weeds may need multiple applications. Wait a week between treatments to assess the effectiveness and avoid overuse.

Post-Application Care

After using acetic acid to kill weeds, follow up with these steps to ensure long-lasting results and prevent weed regrowth:

• Monitoring: Regularly check the treated areas for regrowth and spot treat any new weeds that appear.
• Soil Health: Acetic acid can lower soil pH with frequent use. Consider testing the soil periodically and amend it with lime if it becomes too acidic for desirable plants.
• Mulching: Applying a layer of mulch around plants can help suppress weed growth by blocking sunlight and retaining soil moisture.
• Watering: Avoid watering the treated areas for at least 24 hours to allow the acetic acid to fully penetrate and act on the weeds.
• Preventative Measures: Incorporate other weed prevention strategies, such as proper garden planning, crop rotation, and maintaining healthy soil to reduce future weed invasions.

There you have it, everything you need to know about using acetic acid as a weed killer! Now, the only thing left to do is get the best weed killer for ivy, nettles, horsetail, knotweed, or anything in between at Jennychem.

Get the Best Acetic Acid Weed Killer at Jennychem Today!

Weedex Super has earned the trust of 10,000 UK gardeners and counting for safe, effective removal of even the most persistent, resilient weed varieties. It’s available here at Jennychem to help you put any weed problems you’ve been dealing with in the past.

We use an extra-strong acetic acid to ensure a complete kill. In fact, we’re so confident it’ll work that it’s backed by a money-back guarantee! What do you have to lose?

Pair it with an IK sprayer for best results and you’ll have no trouble bringing your garden back to its vibrant, weed-free state. See for yourself just how effective acetic acid can be today!

Bringing Our Guide to Acetic Acid as Weed Killer to a Close

So, how does acetic acid work to kill weeds? More importantly, is acetic acid a good weed killer? This natural compound works by drying plant tissue out for a complete kill, fast. It’s entirely organic, too, and non-toxic once it dries. 

Acetic acid works against all the common weed varieties here in the UK, from nettle to bramble, horsetail, knotweed, and more. So, yes - it’s a good solution to have in your gardening arsenal.

Our blog has additional resources on how to kill weeds permanently like does salt kill weeds, how long does weed killer stay toxic, weed burner vs weed killer, and more. 

You don’t need to let weeds overstay their welcome any longer. Armed with our insights here at Jennychem and the strongest acetic acid weed killer across the UK, you can take swift, forceful action. 

Place your order to let Weedex Super restore your outdoor space to its full potential once again!