Overview

• New UK coverage promotes pouring boiling water from a kettle as a cheap, non-chemical way to kill weeds on patios, driveways and in cracks.
• Iowa State University horticulture specialist Aaron Steil says boiling water acts as a contact treatment that spares roots, works best on young annuals and typically requires retreatment after 7–10 days.
• Some commercial and media sources claim the hot water reaches taproots for permanent removal, a permanence assertion that conflicts with expert guidance.
• Reports advise careful, targeted pouring to avoid burns and to prevent damage to nearby desirable plants, with a kettle suggested for precision.
• Deep-rooted weeds such as horsetail remain hard to eradicate with this approach, with advice focusing on targeting new shoots or considering a weed burner for control.