The Alcoholic Beverage That'll Eliminate The Weeds Growing Between Your Pavers

If you have pavers, chances are you also have weeds creeping in between the cracks. And while a lush yard is the dream, weeds popping through your patio joints are not exactly the vibe. The weeds are not just an eyesore, they can shift and crack your pavers over time. You could go the chemical route, but if you are not into dousing your garden in harsh herbicides, there is a low-key kitchen solution that might be sitting in your liquor cabinet — vodka.

Turns out, vodka is not just for cocktails. This clear liquor might be better known for fancy drinks, but under the right conditions, it can help dry out weeds naturally. It is not a miracle cure, but it is a quick and low-effort trick to get your weeds under control. All you will need is vodka, water, and a few drops of dish soap. So, how does this hack work?

To create this, mix 1 ounce of vodka with 2 cups of water, and a few drops of dish soap. Pour it into a spray bottle and apply it directly to the weeds on a sunny day and let nature run its course. No rain, no shade. Just sunshine and vodka doing its thing. Fair warning: This is not a targeted strike. Overspray it onto nearby grass or plants, and they might not make it. You can brush it on with a paintbrush if you are going for precision. This is what is happening behind the scenes: Vodka breaks down the waxy protective coating that helps weeds retain moisture. Once that shield is gone, the sun does the heavy lifting, drying out the plant from the inside out. Think of it like accidentally leaving spinach in a hot car. Not pretty.

Within hours, you will start to see the weeds dry up and wither away. In the world of weed control, vodka is a safe, budget-friendly hack that you probably have in your kitchen. Plus, it will not leave toxic residue around your plants or pets. You will not have to worry every time your dog rolls around on the patio. It is safe, simple, and works on the right kind of weeds, particularly the broadleaf varieties. It is also kind of fun to say you used vodka to clean up your patio. If you have a lot of weeds, here are six weed removal hacks you'll wish you tried sooner (& six to avoid).

That said, vodka is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Grassy weeds or deeply rooted invaders will not respond as well, and the method really depends on sunny weather to be effective. Also, you will want to reapply after rain, since it is not a long-term preventative. If you are looking for something with a bit more punch or long-term control, options like rubbing alcohol, boiling water, or even polymeric sand between your pavers can help suppress future growth. Putting sand between your pavers will help keep weeds under control because it cuts off their access to moisture, soil, and nutrients. You can also control weeds naturally with an easy-to-make solution containing horticultural vinegar and orange oil. This hack works because the acetic acid in the vinegar will kill the part of the weed it touches, and the orange oil will break down the waxy cell coating, making it unable to receive nutrients.

But vodka does the trick for quick spot-treating. Just remember to save the good stuff for happy hour — and keep a separate bottle for weed duty. For those interested in more earth-friendly ways to kill weeds, here are several of the least harmful ways to kill weeds in your lawn.