PSA for gardeners:

There’s a viral post going around claiming you can replace Roundup by mixing vinegar, water, salt, detergent — and even bleach — and that it’s “0% toxic.”

Just a heads-up: that’s not accurate, and the bleach advice is actually dangerous.

✔ Bleach + vinegar/detergent can create toxic chlorine gas — this is a real chemical hazard.

✔ Salt kills soil, not just weeds. It builds up and can damage surrounding plants for months or years.

✔ Vinegar and detergents aren’t “non-toxic” either — they can irritate skin, harm pets, and pollute waterways.

✔ These mixes only burn the leaves; the roots survive, so perennial weeds grow straight back.

If you want safer alternatives, registered low-toxicity “organic” herbicides (pelargonic acid, pine oil, clove oil, etc.) are much more effective and tested for safety. Even better: mulching, hand-weeding, flame/steam weeding, and good ground cover.

Natural doesn’t always mean harmless — and bleach definitely doesn’t belong in any garden spray. 🌿

MYTH: “Vinegar + salt + detergent + bleach = safe, non-toxic Roundup alternative.”FACT:• Bleach + vinegar/detergent can release toxic chlorine gas

• Salt sterilises soil and spreads to nearby plants

• Vinegar & detergents are not harmless to pets, soil, or waterways

• Mix only burns leaves — weeds regrow from roots

Safer options: mulching, hand-weeding, steam/flame weeding, or APVMA-approved low-toxicity herbicides.