Removing weeds between paving stones
Difficulty: Easy · Time: approx. 45 minutes
Weeds in paving joints are stubborn but manageable. The key: get the root too, or it grows back fast. With a joint scraper and hot water you'll get a long way without chemicals.
Using salt or vinegar on paved areas is discouraged – on sealed surfaces it's even banned in many places and damages soil and joints.
What you'll need
- Joint scraper or weeding knife
- Wire brush
- Bucket of hot/boiling water
- Gloves
- Optional: jointing sand to refill
Step by step
- 1
Scrape out the bulk
Pull the joint scraper through the joints and pull out the weeds with their roots. The wire brush loosens stubborn remnants and moss.
- 2
Pour over hot water
Pour boiling water over the joints (e.g. leftover pasta water). The heat destroys the plants down to the root – they dry out after 1–2 days.
- 3
Remove the remains
Sweep out the dried weeds. For large areas, a long-handled joint scraper saves your back.
- 4
Refill the joints
Refill empty joints with jointing sand and sweep it in. Well-filled joints give new weeds less to grab onto.
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Upload a photo →Frequently asked questions
- Why no salt or vinegar?
- On sealed surfaces (paving, driveway) their use is usually not permitted and damages soil and groundwater. Hot water and mechanical removal are the safe alternative.
- How do I keep the joints weed-free longer?
- Do it regularly (pour on leftover boiling water) and keep the joints well filled with jointing sand. The less gap, the fewer weeds.