20% Vinegar Weed Killer: The Natural Alternative to Chemical Herbicides
20% vinegar kills weeds by delivering a highly concentrated dose of acetic acid directly to plant tissue. At 20% acidity, it is four times stronger than the white vinegar in your kitchen, breaking down foliage rapidly without leaving chemical residue in your soil. It is a non-selective herbicide, meaning it will affect any plant it touches, so apply it carefully and directly to the weeds you want to eliminate. Available in a 4L jug or for refill in store at District Refill, 107 Colonnade Road N, Unit 1, Ottawa. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm.
How to Use 20% Vinegar to Kill Weeds
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Choose a warm, dry, sunny day. The heat speeds up desiccation and rain will wash the solution away before it works.
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Wear protective gloves and eye protection. At 20% acidity this product will irritate skin and eyes on contact.
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Apply directly to the weed foliage using a spray bottle or brush. Avoid surrounding plants and grass as this is non-selective.
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Wait 24 hours. Most annual weeds will show visible browning and wilting within one day.
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For deep-rooted perennials, repeat the application every few days until the weed is fully eliminated.
Frequently asked questions
Most annual weeds show visible wilting and browning within 24 hours of application. The high concentration of acetic acid breaks down plant tissue quickly, especially on a warm sunny day. Perennial weeds with deep root systems may take several applications over a few days before they are fully eliminated.
No. This product is a non-selective herbicide, which means it will damage or kill any plant it comes into contact with, including grass, flowers, and garden vegetables. Apply it carefully and only directly to the weeds you want to remove. It is best used on driveways, patios, gravel areas, and cracks where you want no plant growth at all.
Apply on a warm, dry, sunny day when no rain is forecast for at least 24 hours. Sunlight and heat accelerate the drying process that kills the weed. Morning application works well as temperatures rise through the day. Avoid applying on windy days to prevent overspray onto nearby plants.
No, this is not food-grade and must never be consumed. It is a pesticide-grade product with 20% acetic acid concentration, which is far too strong for any food or cooking use. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling it, and store it out of reach of children and pets.
For annual weeds, a single application is usually enough to kill the plant completely. For established perennial weeds with deep root systems, you will likely need two to four applications spaced a few days apart. Even after the top growth dies back, roots can send up new shoots, so monitor the area and reapply as needed. Removing the dead plant material after treatment also helps prevent regrowth.