How does vodka help in removing weeds?

The alcohol in vodka dries out the weed's leaves, making the plant look bad and less likely to reappear.

How do you prepare the vodka mixture?

In a spray bottle, mix vodka, water, and a small amount of dish soap, then spray the weed leaves with the mixture.

Can vodka damage ornamental plants?

Yes, so it's important to spray directly and be careful not to get the liquid on flowers, grass, or other plants you want to keep.

Do you need to use expensive vodka for this trick?

No, experts point out that there's no need to buy expensive brands of alcohol because the point is to use what you already have at home.

Health

Vodka for Weeds on the Patio? Expert Explains How to Use It

C.C. · Prije 9h | 2 min

A simple mix from your home bar can help against stubborn weeds on paved areas, but experts warn it's not a miracle solution.

Summary

Plain vodka from your home bar can serve as a cheap remedy against weeds on patios and paved areas.
Expert Bill Jarvis recommends targeted application of a mixture of vodka, water, and dish soap.
The method isn't miraculous, but it's useful for stubborn weeds in awkward spots, with caution towards ornamental plants.

Make 5MIN.hr a preferred source

Patio and path owners battling weeds this August might reach for an unusual ally from their home bar. Instead of expensive chemical treatments, experts suggest using plain vodka, whose alcohol dries out the leaves and prevents weeds from regrowing in hard-to-reach places.

How Alcohol Works on Weeds

Bill Jarvis, a DIY expert and co-founder of Premium Paints, described this method as one of those old-fashioned tricks that actually works. "Vodka probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think about tackling weeds. But alcohol can dry out the leaves, making the weeds look pretty miserable," Jarvis explained.

The key, the expert stresses, is to apply the liquid directly to the weeds, not across the entire surface. "You obviously don't want to go around pouring vodka all over your garden, but if you have a few stubborn weeds pushing through the paving or popping up in awkward spots, it's a cheap and unusual trick you could try," Jarvis says, as reported by the British Express.

Step-by-Step Preparation of the Mixture

The process is simple: in a spray bottle, mix vodka with water and a small amount of dish soap. Spray the leaves of the unwanted weeds thoroughly with the mixture, preferably on a dry, sunny day so the solution has enough time to work. When spraying, be careful not to get the liquid on flowers, grass, or other ornamental plants you want to keep.

The effectiveness of this method is also confirmed by experts at Supreme Merchants, who note that there's no need to buy expensive brands of alcohol. "It's certainly more of an old-fashioned trick than a miracle weed killer. But if you have just a few stubborn weeds in awkward spots, it's a cheap and unusual trick you can try," they say, adding: "You certainly don't need anything fancy. The whole point of such tricks is to use what you already have at home."

This article with these tips was published on August 18, 2026.