The fastest way to stop weeds between pavers

The most effective method depends on how many weeds you have and whether you want to prevent them from coming back. For weeds already growing, pull them by hand when the soil is damp—they come out more easily with roots intact. For larger areas or stubborn weeds, pour boiling water directly on them, which kills the plant and roots without chemicals. If you have many weeds or want to stop new ones from growing, fill the gaps between pavers with polymeric sand, which hardens and blocks weed seeds from taking root.

Each method works best in different situations. Hand-pulling works for occasional weeds and takes minutes. Boiling water works for weeds you want gone today but may not prevent new growth. Polymeric sand is the long-term solution but requires clearing the gaps first and costs more upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • Hand-pulling works best when soil is wet, and you should remove the entire root to prevent regrowth.
  • Boiling water kills weeds when ready but does not create a barrier against new seeds, so weeds may return.
  • Polymeric sand fills the gaps between pavers and hardens to block weed seeds, lasting several years before needing replacement.
  • Vinegar and salt kill visible weeds but can damage surrounding plants and soil, so use them only on isolated weeds away from grass or gardens.
  • A pressure washer removes weeds and debris but does not stop new growth and can shift pavers if the water pressure is too high.

Hand-pulling: the simplest method for occasional weeds

Pull weeds by hand when the soil between pavers is damp, ideally after rain or watering. Wet soil loosens the roots so they come out whole instead of breaking off and regrowing. Grab the weed at the base, as close to the soil as you can, and pull slowly and steadily at an angle rather than straight up—this reduces the chance the stem will snap and leave the root behind.

Remove the entire root system. If the root breaks and pieces remain in the soil, the weed will regrow from those fragments. For deep-rooted weeds like dandelions, use a narrow tool like a flathead screwdriver or a weeding fork to loosen the soil around the root first, then pull. Dispose of pulled weeds in a yard waste bin or compost pile if they have not gone to seed.

Hand-pulling works well for a few weeds scattered across your patio or walkway. If you have dozens of weeds or they cover a large area, the other methods will save you time.

Boiling water: when ready kill with no chemicals

Boiling water kills weeds on contact and requires nothing but a kettle and water. Boil water, let it cool for 10 to 15 seconds so it does not splash as easily, then pour it directly onto the base of the weed. The heat destroys the plant tissue and roots. Most weeds die within hours. This method works on any weed and leaves no chemical residue.

Boiling water has two limitations. It does not create a barrier against new weed seeds, so new weeds can sprout in the same spot weeks later. It also kills any plant it touches, so be careful not to splash nearby flowers, grass, or vegetables. If weeds are growing right next to plants you want to keep, hand-pulling or another targeted method is safer.

This method is free if you have a kettle and works when ready, making it good for a quick cleanup before guests arrive or when you notice a few weeds.

Polymeric sand: the long-term barrier against new weeds

Polymeric sand is a mixture of sand and binding agents that hardens when wet, creating a solid barrier in the gaps between pavers. It stops weed seeds from settling into the soil and blocks water from reaching the soil where seeds would germinate. Once installed, it lasts three to five years before it breaks down and needs replacement.

To install polymeric sand, first remove all existing weeds and debris from the gaps. Use a pressure washer on low setting, a stiff brush, or a narrow tool to clear out dirt, leaves, and old sand. Let the area dry completely—polymeric sand needs dry conditions to work properly. Sweep the sand into the gaps, working it down with a broom handle or similar tool until the gaps are full. Then mist the area lightly with water to set up the binding agents. Do not soak it; follow the product instructions for the exact amount of water needed. Let it cure for 24 to 48 hours before walking on it.

Polymeric sand costs more than other methods—typically $30 to $60 per 50-pound bag, depending on the brand and where you buy it—but it prevents weeds for years. Calculate the square footage of your paved area and the width of your gaps to estimate how much you need.

Vinegar and salt: chemical-free but with risks

Vinegar with high acidity (20 percent or higher) kills weeds by burning down the leaves and stems. Household vinegar (5 percent acidity) is too weak to work well. Spray full-strength horticultural vinegar directly on the weed on a sunny day, and the weed will brown and die within a few days. Salt also kills weeds by drawing moisture out of the plant, but it damages soil and can harm nearby plants, so use it only on isolated weeds far from anything you want to keep.

Both vinegar and salt have drawbacks. Vinegar kills only the visible part of the plant, so roots may survive and regrow. Salt accumulates in soil and can prevent other plants from growing there for months. If you use salt, use it sparingly and only on weeds in the middle of a paved area, not near soil where you want plants to grow.

This method works for a few weeds but is slower than boiling water and less reliable than hand-pulling.

Pressure washing: removes weeds and debris at once

A pressure washer blasts weeds out of gaps and cleans the paved surface in one pass. Set the pressure to 1500 to 2000 PSI (pounds per square inch) to remove weeds without damaging the pavers or shifting them. Higher pressure can crack pavers or push them out of alignment. Angle the nozzle at 45 degrees and move it steadily across the gaps. Most weeds wash away, though some roots may remain in the soil.

Pressure washing does not prevent new weeds from growing, so weeds will return within weeks or months. It also does not work well on very young, tender weeds or on weeds with deep roots that are anchored firmly in the soil. After pressure washing, the gaps are clean and damp—a good time to install polymeric sand if you want to prevent future growth.

Rent a pressure washer from a home improvement store for $50 to $100 per day if you do not own one. This method is best for large paved areas where you want to clean and remove weeds at the same time.

Preventing weeds before they start

The easiest weeds to deal with are the ones that never grow. After you remove existing weeds, take steps to block new ones. Polymeric sand is the most effective barrier. If you do not want to use polymeric sand, sweep regular sand into the gaps and keep it topped up—it does not harden, but it does make it harder for seeds to settle and sprout. Landscape fabric under the pavers (installed when the patio is built) also stops weeds, but it requires removing and reinstalling pavers to add it later.

Keep the paved area clean by sweeping regularly to remove leaves and debris where weed seeds can land and germinate. Water your pavers less frequently if possible—weeds need moisture to grow, so drier gaps mean fewer weeds. If you water nearby plants or grass, try to keep water off the paved surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will weeds come back after I pull them?

Weeds come back if you leave any part of the root in the soil. Pull slowly and at an angle to remove the entire root system. If a weed regrows in the same spot, it means a root fragment remained. For weeds that keep returning, use boiling water or polymeric sand to prevent regrowth.

Can I use salt to kill weeds between pavers?

Salt kills weeds but damages soil and can prevent other plants from growing nearby for months. Use it only on isolated weeds in the middle of a paved area, far from any soil where you want plants to grow. Boiling water or vinegar are safer choices if plants are close by.

How long does polymeric sand last?

Polymeric sand typically lasts three to five years before it breaks down and needs replacement. The lifespan depends on weather, foot traffic, and how well it was installed. In areas with heavy rain or freeze-thaw cycles, it may break down faster.

Is it safe to use boiling water near plants?

Boiling water kills any plant it touches, so avoid splashing it on flowers, grass, or vegetables. If weeds are growing right next to plants you want to keep, hand-pull the weeds or use vinegar on the weed only, being careful not to splash nearby plants.

What pressure should I use with a pressure washer?

Use 1500 to 2000 PSI to remove weeds without damaging pavers or shifting them. Higher pressure can crack pavers or push them out of place. Angle the nozzle at 45 degrees and move it steadily to avoid concentrating pressure in one spot.