A Common Kitchen Ingredient Is All You Need To Get Rid Of Weeds In A Pinch

Scientific research into citric acid’s efficacy dates back to at least the early 1990s. A 1991/1992 organic herbicide patent held by ECOVAL Corp states that adding citric acid enhanced the effect of the acetic acid in the solution. In a paper published in a 2016 issue of Buletin Penelitian Tanaman Rempah dan Obat, researchers found that a combination of acetic acid and citric acid killed broadleaf weeds (for example, dandelion, plantain, and chickweed) at least as well as a 2,4-D amine herbicide. Another study published in Weed Technology in 2017 showed a citric acid and garlic mix killed young broadleaf weeds better than all other organic compounds tested, including acetic acid and clove oil. A 2022 Agriculture study revealed citric acid counteracted the weakening effect of iron in herbicides.

Many commercial weed-killer manufacturers include lemon juice, citric acid, or another citrus skin extract, d-limonene, in their solutions. Their drive to create the powerful solution you need to put an end to pest plants proves the humble fruit’s strength. However, before you go spraying lemon juice all over your yard, there are some less positive reports to consider. For one, this tangy tonic might mess with the delicate balance of compounds in your soil and lower the pH levels, creating conditions unfavorable for all plant life, not just weeds. Try not to get it in your eyes or on your skin, either. Worse, lemon juice as a weed killer might not work at all.