How to Make a Steam Weed Killer

Weeds crop up in every garden, every year. You can spend a weekend rooting up weeds by hand only to discover new weed plants the following week. To combat weeds without introducing chemicals into your yard or spending a lot of money on organic weed products or a commercial steamer, use water. Steam and boiling water combat weeds by heating them to the point where plant cells die. Steam is hotter than air or fire, so it works to kill weed plants quickly.

Make A Steam Weed Killer

When it comes to weed killers, many products on the market contain chemicals that could be harmful to people, pets and the environment as a whole. A hot-water sprayer for weeds directs a thin stream of extremely hot water atop the weed crown, cooking the weed from the top down. The leaves will die off on their own within a few days. Either type of tool works well when treating weeds popping up in paved areas. Treating a weed amidst other plants, such as in the middle of a lawn, requires a sprayer with enough control to pinpoint only the weed. Otherwise, nearby grass may also be killed. Be sure to wear boots or water-resistant footwear and pants to avoid burns. _ Do not_ use this or any other plug-in device during rain or while the yard or pavement is soaked, as the moisture around the cord could pose an electrical hazard if the cord has any cuts in it. If you don't own a steam cleaner, you can still make your own hot water and steam weed killer to treat pesky weeds growing in gravel, between pavers and other locations away from desirable plants. Boil water in a tea kettle and keep a metal pot handy.