Citric Acid
Citric acid, commonly associated with citrus fruits, increases the mixture’s effectiveness by further damaging plant tissue when it comes into contact with leaves.
Liquid Dish Soap
Many plant leaves have a waxy coating that causes liquids to slide off. Dish soap helps the spray stick to the surface of the leaves, allowing the other ingredients to remain in contact with the plant longer.
Although these ingredients seem simple, the way they work together may surprise you.
Before mixing your first batch, it helps to understand what this solution can—and cannot—do against stubborn weeds.
How the Mixture Actually Works
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Many people assume this homemade spray completely destroys weeds from root to tip. The reality is more complicated.
This mixture works primarily as a contact treatment. In other words, it damages the parts of the plant that it directly touches. Leaves and stems often begin to dry out quickly after application, especially during hot weather.
