Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda's a solid combo for sure, I've used it myself a few times. Another thing that's worked surprisingly well for me is boiling water—especially on moss and weeds popping up between patio stones. Cheap, eco-friendly, and oddly satisfying to watch them wilt away. Only downside is lugging hot water around can be a pain...anyone tried something similar or got another unconventional hack worth sharing?
"Only downside is lugging hot water around can be a pain..."
Yeah, hauling boiling water around sounds like an accident waiting to happen—especially if you're clumsy like me. I've actually found white vinegar diluted with a bit of dish soap does wonders too. Spray it on a sunny day and weeds shrivel up fast. Smells funky for a bit, but beats risking burns or spills. Plus, it's dirt cheap and you prob already have it at home...
Good tip on the vinegar mix—I've used that myself and it definitely works. Couple quick pointers from experience:
- Vinegar can discolor certain patio stones (especially natural limestone or marble), so test a small hidden spot first.
- If you're worried about smell, adding a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or eucalyptus) helps mask it.
- For stubborn weeds, sprinkle some baking soda directly onto them after spraying vinegar. It boosts the effect and keeps weeds away longer.
Way safer than hauling boiling water around...my toes still cringe thinking about it, haha.
"Way safer than hauling boiling water around...my toes still cringe thinking about it, haha."
Haha, totally feel you on the boiling water thing—tried it once and nearly ended up with a DIY pedicure disaster. The vinegar and baking soda combo is a lifesaver, though I did notice it left some faint marks on my old brick patio. Nothing major, but something to keep in mind if you're picky about aesthetics.
Speaking of keeping patios fresh, has anyone experimented with moss as ground cover between stones? I've seen some gorgeous historic gardens using moss intentionally, and it seems like a low-maintenance way to keep weeds at bay while adding character. I'm tempted to give it a go but not sure how practical it is long-term...
Moss can look great, but honestly, it's not always as low-maintenance as it seems. I tried it between my patio stones last year, and while it started off looking lush and charming, it quickly became patchy in areas with direct sun. Plus, keeping it tidy was trickier than expected—leaves and debris got stuck easily. If you're after something truly hassle-free, creeping thyme might be a better bet...smells nice too.
