will sodium hypochlorite (bLEACH) kill weeds?

Question

iF SO HOW LONG FOR

Answer 1

As a broad spectrum biocide, bleach will top-kill the weeds. It also will kill microorganisms in the soil, earthworms and all foliar tissue in which it comes into contact. Because bleach, unlike certain herbicides, does not move within the plant, it is unlikely to provide effective root-kill to the perennial weed species.

Answer 2

Bleach will kill everything, not just the plants you want to get rid of. And it's not so good for the land either.

Some people suggest boiling water: At least that won't make the land unusable afterwards. And there are some tools that are marvelous for removing weeds, tap root and all: I got to use them helping my mother clear a bunch of weeds out of one of her flower beds. Afterwards, there are several things you can do to keep the weeds from coming back, depending on what you're using the land for.

If it's lawn, sow a fast-growing grass seed that will choke out the weeds. If it's a garden space, lay out several layers of newsprint then mulch heavily over it.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It'll kill plants in general, not specific to just 'weeds'. Not the best for the environment or health/safety issues. Many factors influence effectiveness like concentration, application, weather, target plant anatomy, etc.

Why not eco-friendlier Acetic Acid. Ten % by volume is available in the grocerystore as White Vinegar. It''ll kill plants, but better results are had with higher concentrations like 20-40%.

Answer 4

Yes, it will kill your weeds and everything around that the bleach touches. You're probably better off getting a professional weed killer instead.
By the way, where are you at that needs where the seasons are still warm enough for weed killing? It's November....

Answer 5

bleach kills just about all kinds of nature, which might include the grass around it. So, I might not recommend it. For how long you ask? Probably 3 months, seeing how you can manually remove the weed by its roots and another grows in its place.

Answer 6

Yes but it's not a very good choice because it is very damaging to the environment. Do you know it's illigal in most of Europe? It will run off into the storm sewers & not just be a problem in your own yard.
Vinegar will but it takes a few applications. No where near as bad for the environment.
Round up works for me.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

<> Just because something it legal doesn't mean it's right. <> There's a reason you can't spell 'assume' without '***'. People who assume too much end up making asses of themselves. < murder, how come?>> Doesn't make sense, does it - and yet, there you are advocating people merely ASSUME the government is right! <> WRONG! <> Ad hominem attacks hurt your credibility. Perhaps Marc, like me, doesn't see too much in the way of credibility when reading your question. < is NOT murder.>> The term "fetus" literally means "the young in the womb". The fetus IS a living human being. Life begins at conception, not birth nor some arbitrary point in between. Therefore, every abortion constitutes the murder of an unborn human being. <> But the fetus IS human. Therefore, abortion IS murder. < and stupid imagination.>> What's so narrow minded about acknowledging the unborn for the living human beings they are? Since you're unable to do that, wouldn't that suggest your mind is in fact more narrow than mine? < person NOT two.>> That just goes to show how schizophrenic human institutions can be - and you want to ASSUME such an institution (the government) is right.

Answer 9

Yes it will...but it's terrible for the Earth to absorb and can be potentially harmful or fatal to animals that come in contact with it and surrounding water sources.
A pesticide is best because that's what they are made for.
Don't use bleach.

Answer 10

yes depends on how weed seeds are getting in your garden as to how long it works for. steam also works and is perfectly safe on the environment