Crabgrass is the uninvited guest that keeps popping up on your lawn no matter how hard you try to maintain that picture-perfect green carpet. It spreads rapidly, thrives in heat, and steals vital nutrients from your healthy turf. But before you reach for a store-bought chemical solution, consider using natural, homemade remedies that are just as effective—and far safer for your family, pets, and the environment.
These 7 DIY crabgrass killers use ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they also allow you to tackle your weed problem without dousing your yard in harsh chemicals.
Why Go Homemade?
Homemade crabgrass killers offer multiple benefits beyond just getting rid of weeds. First and foremost, they’re typically non-toxic and safe around children, pets, and pollinators like bees and butterflies. Many commercial weed killers contain glyphosate or other harmful chemicals that linger in the soil and potentially enter local water sources.
DIY solutions are also incredibly cost-effective. Most require simple household ingredients such as vinegar, salt, and baking soda. You can mix them in minutes and feel confident about what you’re spraying on your lawn. Plus, you can adjust the recipes based on your lawn’s unique needs.
7 Effective Homemade Crabgrass Killers
1. Vinegar and Dish Soap Spray
White vinegar is a well-known natural herbicide due to its high acetic acid content, which dries out and kills unwanted plants on contact. Dish soap helps the solution stick to the crabgrass leaves, enhancing the vinegar’s effectiveness. This combo is excellent for small patches of crabgrass and spot treatments.
However, it’s important to note that vinegar doesn’t discriminate—it will kill or damage any plant it touches. For best results, apply this spray during warm, sunny days when there’s no rain in the forecast. Avoid spraying on desirable grass or garden plants.
How to Make It:
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon white vinegar (5% acetic acid or higher)
- 2 tablespoons dish soap
- 1 spray bottle or garden sprayer
Instructions:
- Pour the vinegar into the spray bottle or sprayer.
- Add the dish soap.
- Shake well to mix.
- Spray directly onto crabgrass, making sure to fully saturate the leaves.
- Apply in the heat of the day for maximum effectiveness.
2. Boiling Water
Boiling water may sound too simple, but it’s an incredibly effective and immediate way to kill crabgrass, especially in hard-to-reach areas like sidewalk cracks, driveways, or gravel paths. The intense heat ruptures the plant’s cell walls and kills it down to the root within seconds.
This method is chemical-free and doesn’t require any ingredients—just care in handling. However, it can also kill surrounding plants or grass, so pour slowly and precisely.
How to Use It:
Materials Needed:
- Kettle or pot of boiling water
- Heat-resistant gloves
Instructions:
- Boil water using a kettle or pot.
- Carefully carry it to the area with crabgrass.
- Slowly pour boiling water directly onto the crabgrass.
- Repeat for stubborn patches after a few days if necessary.
3. Saltwater Solution
Salt is a powerful dehydrating agent that can kill unwanted plants by disrupting their ability to absorb moisture. When mixed with water, it becomes an effective spot-treatment solution. However, salt lingers in the soil and can prevent future growth—so use it only in places where you don’t want anything to grow again (e.g., cracks in driveways).
Overusing this solution in your lawn or garden could harm desirable plants and long-term soil health, so apply carefully and sparingly.
How to Make It:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup table salt
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tablespoon dish soap (optional)
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Dissolve the salt in warm water.
- Add dish soap if desired for better adhesion.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray directly on the crabgrass, focusing on the base.
- Avoid nearby plants and lawn grasses.
4. Baking Soda Spot Treatment
Baking soda can be used to alter the pH of the soil surface temporarily, causing dehydration and ultimately killing crabgrass. It’s best used for small infestations or in cracks between pavement stones. While not as harsh as salt, it still affects the soil and should be used thoughtfully.
This treatment is very simple and requires no mixing—just a little moisture and a sprinkle of baking soda.
How to Use It:
Materials Needed:
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle with water
Instructions:
- Lightly spray the crabgrass with water to dampen it.
- Sprinkle a heavy layer of baking soda directly onto the damp weed.
- Let it sit for several days.
- Reapply weekly if needed.
5. Corn Gluten Meal
Corn gluten meal is a natural pre-emergent herbicide, meaning it prevents crabgrass seeds from sprouting in the first place. It doesn’t kill existing crabgrass but is perfect for proactive lawn care. It also adds nitrogen to the soil, promoting healthier turf that can choke out weeds naturally.
For best results, apply corn gluten in early spring, before soil temperatures reach 55°F—this is when crabgrass seeds begin to germinate.
How to Use It:
Materials Needed:
- Corn gluten meal (available at garden centers or online)
- Broadcast spreader
Instructions:
- Measure and pour corn gluten meal into a lawn spreader.
- Evenly spread it across your lawn, especially in areas where crabgrass has previously appeared.
- Water lightly to activate the herbicidal properties.
- Avoid heavy watering for a few days after application.
6. Lemon Juice Spray
Lemon juice is acidic enough to damage plant tissue, making it another good natural alternative to chemical herbicides. It’s best for spot treatments and is particularly useful in sunny weather, as the acid combined with heat accelerates the weed-killing process.
If you have a lemon tree or access to fresh lemons, even better! But bottled lemon juice will also do the trick.
How to Make It:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 spray bottle
Instructions:
- Pour lemon juice into a spray bottle undiluted.
- Spray directly onto the crabgrass leaves and stems.
- Apply on sunny days for better results.
- Repeat as needed for stubborn patches.
7. Rubbing Alcohol Spray
Rubbing alcohol dries out the plant’s tissues, causing it to wilt and die. It’s a great option for small areas of crabgrass and works similarly to vinegar but with less impact on the soil. It’s best used on dry, sunny days.
Just like other sprays, it should be applied with precision to avoid harming surrounding vegetation.
How to Make It:
Ingredients:
- 1 quart water
- 2 tablespoons rubbing alcohol (70% or higher)
- A few drops of dish soap (optional)
- Spray bottle
Instructions:
- Mix water and rubbing alcohol in the spray bottle.
- Add a few drops of dish soap to help the solution stick.
- Shake well.
- Spray directly onto the crabgrass, avoiding other plants.
- Reapply weekly if needed.
Application Tips for Success
- Spot Test First: Always test your homemade solution on a small patch to ensure it doesn’t harm your lawn.
- Choose Sunny Days: Most treatments are more effective when applied in direct sunlight.
- Shield Nearby Plants: Use cardboard or a barrier to protect your grass and flowers.
- Repeat Treatments: Some weeds may require multiple applications to fully kill the root system.
What to Avoid
- Avoid using vinegar or salt-based solutions near flower beds or vegetable gardens.
- Never apply these treatments on windy days.
- Don’t rely solely on treatments—prevention is key to long-term crabgrass control.
Preventing Crabgrass in the Future
- Maintain a Healthy Lawn: A thick, well-fed lawn crowds out crabgrass naturally.
- Water Deeply and Infrequently: Crabgrass loves shallow watering.
- Mow High: Taller grass shades out crabgrass seedlings.
- Apply Pre-Emergent in Spring: Corn gluten meal or a natural pre-emergent helps stop crabgrass before it starts.
Final Thoughts
Fighting crabgrass doesn’t require harsh chemicals or expensive treatments. With a few household staples and some persistence, you can reclaim your lawn naturally and safely. Whether you prefer vinegar, boiling water, or lemon juice, these DIY crabgrass killers offer a greener way to get the job done.
Have you tried any of these methods? Share your experience in the comments—and don’t forget to check out our other lawn care tips!