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Bleach instead of weed killer?

Gn0meGn0me Posts: 85
in Tools and techniques
I've read that bleach will absolutely kill everything apart from the hardiest such as knotweed and ivy.

In fact I've also read that nothing will grow for months afterwards, which is fine as I want to use it on my block paving patio and possibly driveway.

If it is possible to use bleach instead, is there a danger it might damage or discolour the bricks?

Also, should I dilute it, possibly with boiling water? I have a one of those pump
dispensers.

There's no children or pets around.

Thanks very much.

Posts

  • K67K67 Posts: 2,506
    No idea but why don't you try it in an inconspicuous place but at this time of year weeds aren't growing much. Shouldn't damage the bricks but might alter the colour as they will look cleaner.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Would you use weedkiller to clean your sink? Then why use bleach to kill your weeds?  As @pansyface says, bleach will destroy the ecosystem in your soil. 

    If you’re not averse to using chemicals I simply don’t understand why you wouldn’t use one designed to do the job, sticking to the instructions in the packet of course. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • glasgowdanglasgowdan Posts: 632
    edited November 2019
    Weed killer, not bleach! And wait until April. Runoff, animals coming into contact with it etc...
  • Gn0meGn0me Posts: 85
    Okay, bleach it isn't.
    I thought it might be just more effective but now realising it may be too effective in terms of damaging, even for a patio.
    And with it murdering all the creepie crawlies as well, I can't have that on my conscience.
    Thanks very much, case closed!

  • jenny794jenny794 Posts: 30
    You can use bleach in a spray bottle to spot treat weeds which will be less harmful than throwing buckets of bleach all over your path. Bleach will only damage the leaves, not roots so it isn't ever going to be as effective as a specialist perennial weed killer. 
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