There are many remedies that can be helpful in the fight against weeds. In addition to weeding, a protective mulch layer or herbicides, a wide variety of home remedies are recommended. This also includes the corrosive substance chlorine, which is contained in various concentrations in some household cleaning products.

Chlorine must not be used against weeds on sidewalks and is not a good idea in the garden either

What is chlorine?

This substance is a pungent-smelling, yellow-green gas. It has a highly toxic effect on living beings and kills plants, but also microorganisms such as algae or bacteria. Chlorine is one of the most commonly used disinfectants and ensures bacteria-free water in swimming pools, for example.

The substance also occurs in nature as a chloride in the form of an aqueous solution. If plants are oversupplied with chlorine, symptoms of poisoning occur. How much active ingredient the plants tolerate varies. Almost all plants can cope with chlorine up to a value of 0.3 milligrams per liter without suffering permanent damage.

How does chlorine work?

When used incorrectly, chlorine poses a high risk to people and the environment:

  • It is highly corrosive, so you should never handle chlorine without gloves and/or suitable clothing.
  • Chlorine gas attacks the respiratory system.
  • The agent not only leaves damage to weeds, but often also to neighboring plants.
  • Due to the poor dosability, it should only be used in the garden with great caution.

How can weeds be killed with chlorine?

If you want to tackle weeds with chlorine despite all the risks, you should definitely observe these precautionary measures:

  • Dilute the liquid chlorine heavily before use. The mixing ratio should not exceed 80 percent water to 20 percent chlorine.
  • Wear special gloves when applying to avoid skin damage.

The use of chlorine on sealed surfaces

Plant protection products may not be used on sidewalks, paved driveways or the terrace. This also includes chlorine if you want to destroy annoying weeds with this preparation. Violations of the law can be punished with fines of up to 50,000 euros.

tips

Weeds in the garden can be removed quite effectively with chlorine, but this process is not environmentally friendly. Since it may damage neighboring plants in beds, other methods such as mechanical weeding or covering beds against weeds should be preferred.

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Herbs