8 Best Organic Weed Killers – No More Harmful Chemicals!

By
Nora Held
Nora Held
Research Writer
Apart from being our main writer, Nora also works for a number of gardening-related sites and magazines, sharing her experience as an owner of a small farm in North Carolina read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Bruce Williams
Bruce Williams
Expert Consultant
Bruce owns a small farm and loves to grill since his early childhood. He’s a professional cook, but hiking and enjoying the great outdoors is his no less favorite part of read more
Last updated: September 06, 2023
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Weeds and grass grow fast in gardens. They make lovely gardens look unkempt and disgusting if you don’t regulate their growth. The truth is, it’s daunting to remove the weeds by hand. But you can invest in manual tools or chemicals like organic weed killers to eradicate the weeds and grass. Some of these chemicals clear weeds instantly, while others take a few days or weeks to deliver results. The best part is, most organic weed killers are manufactured from chemicals that are safe to humans and animals.

We reviewed over 30 organic weed killers in the market. Our editor picked the Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer as the all-round product that eliminates several types of weeds from dandelions, moss, and white clover. This organic weed killer is safe for the environment, pets, and plants. We reviewed other organic weed killers like ECO Garden PRO Organic Vinegar Weed Killer, Ortho GroundClear and Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer, among others.

We spent more than 200 hours looking for the best organic weed killers in sites like Amazon. Our team interviewed several sellers and experts. The features we based our selection on include type, active ingredients, the weed it kills, and net content, among others. There are several types of weed killers like pre-emergent, post-emergent, and contact. You can get weed killers with active ingredients like ethanol, ammonium annotate, or glyphosate depending on the types of weeds in your garden. We have prepared a table, in-depth reviews of best weed killers, and a buying guide.

Quick Summary

Top 8 Organic Weed Killers Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7269 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.7
9.9
Features
  • Active ingredients: ethanol distilled from corn grain
  • Kills: crabgrass, dandelions, clover weeds, white clover, moss, etc.
  • Net contents: 1 gal.

More features: OMRI listed, non-selective; perfect for residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural use

The Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer eliminates all types of weed fast, whether it is clover weeds, moss, white clover, dandelions, and crabgrass. Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer is manufactured from ethanol distilled from corn that makes it four times more powerful than traditional table vinegar.

Experts say Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer is free from harmful chemicals like glyphosate, petroleum, sulfates, chlorine, dye and bleach. The sellers say it’s the best commercial organic weed killer. Experts recommend it for industrial, and agricultural use. Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer targets sections like sidewalks, mulch beds, pavers, flowerbeds, farmlands, parking lots, driveways and barns for home-usage.

This organic weed killer for flower beds requires zero dilution. Fill your pump sprayer with 20% vinegar and spray it on the weeds using the trigger spray. Remember, Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer kills plants non-selectively so don’t spray it on the other vegetation. Follow the safety precautions labelled on the container. The seller recommends spraying it on sunny days for the best results.

One user claims that this weed killer is safe to use in regions with lakes provided you create a buffer zone to bur the solution from getting into contact with the water. Several buyers don’t recommend spraying this weed killer on soil meant for growing plants. It will kill all the plants.

Overall, Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer is safe, effective and inexpensive. However, it requires constant reapplication depending on the rate of growth of your weeds. It’s not safe for birds, humans, pets and fish.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Eliminates several types of weed
  • No dilution
  • Inexpensive
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Requires constant reapplication
  • Not safe for birds, humans and animals
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9934 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
Features
  • Active ingredients: acetic acid, sodium chloride
  • Net contents: 1 gal.
  • Kills: dandelions, clover, chickweed, dollar weed, thistle, crabgrass, moss, white cover, general weeds, and grasses

More features: phosphate-free, safe for animals, visible results in 24 hours

The ECO Garden PRO Organic Vinegar Weed Killer is the next top choice on our list, and we named it the Premium Pick. It is designed to be safe for your family, pets, fish, livestock, and even bees! The fully organic and ready-to-use formula can eliminate weeds and grasses very quickly. The Organic Vinegar Weed Killer works for clover, poison ivy and moss, and other general weeds. It is eco-friendly, 100% biodegradable, phosphate-free, and safe for groundwater.

The ECO Garden PRO Organic Vinegar Weed Killer is best suited for those who want quick solutions when killing weeds. You will notice immediate and visible results within 24 hours, as this can be used in residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural settings.

    What makes it special?
  • Fully organic and ready-to-use formula
  • Ideal for a wide range of grasses and weeds
  • Safe for the environment
  • Visible results within 24 hours
  • It can be used in all kinds of gardens
    What cons did we find?
  • Does not work as fast on persistent weeds
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9511 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
3
Best for Preventing Weeds Up To 1 Year

Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate

Features
  • Active ingredients: glyphosate, isopropylamine salt; imazapyr, isopropylamine salt
  • Kills: weeds and grass
  • Net contents: 2 gal.

More features: concentrate, prevents weeds for up to 1 year, visible results in 6 hours, rainproof

Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate is an effective weed killer that is 5x more powerful than the previous formula. It kills and prevents the growth of weeds up to 1 year. You can use it on your fence line, driveway, patios, gravel areas, and sidewalks.

The sellers say you can select one from ready-to-use concentrates with a comfort wand, and ready-to-use with sprinkler cap application methods.

Ready to use with a comfort wand is great for precise application. It requires zero mixings. With Concentrate application, you will apply the solution with an Ortho Dial N Spray, tank sprayer or sprinkler can.

The ready to use with a sprinkler cap selection is the best organic weed killer for pavers with cracks. Remove the top cap and tilt your bottle to spread it. One user claims that its coverage area is 3200 sq. feet.

Experts say the solution is super-concentrated though it dries up in one hour. It’s best to keep your pet away from the spots for at least 2 hours.

Most customers say Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate kills anything it touches, including shrubs like Jupiter. Others say it does the job perfectly but require patience. Overall, Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate is easy to use. Its container is also lightweight.

    What are its best features?
  • 5x more potent than the previous formula
  • Prevents growth of weeds up to 1 year
  • Three unique selections
  • No mixing
  • Lightweight container
    What could be improved?
  • Requires patience
  • Dries fast
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5473 people in the past 30 days
9.3
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.3
4
Best Ready-to-Use Formula

Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer

Features
  • Active ingredients: sodium chloride, acetic acid, citrus oil
  • Kills: over 250 weeds and grasses
  • Net contents: 128 oz.

More features: ready-to-use, people and pets friendly

Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer is a ready-to-use chemical that suits removing weeds in several areas. You can apply it on gravel areas, mulch beds, patios, parking areas, barns, pavers, rock walls, walkways, wells and water systems, fence lines and foundations.

It’s non-toxic and requires zero dilution. Experts say Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer delivers results in 24 hours. They advise users to handle it with care. It’s great for use during calm sunny days. The seller says Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer covers approximately 4000 sq. feet.

This weed killer comes with a trigger spray. You can use the pump sprayer. However, Natural Armor shuns users against using the hose attachment. They claim it will dilute the solution.

Most customers insist that it works perfectly on shallow weeds. It mostly kills small weeds but not the larger ones. One user said Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer contains natural organic components that are friendly to wildlife and plants.

Experts note that this chemical is friendly to driveways and sidewalks. Most users said they spotted little to no discoloration.

Several customers said they loved the strong smell of vinegar. Some complained that the nozzle is ineffective.

    What makes it special?
  • Ready to use
  • Covers 4000 sq. feet
  • Little to no discoloration
  • Smells nice
    What cons did we find?
  • Ineffective nozzle
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7420 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.8
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.2
Features
  • Active ingredients: Mecoprop-p; 2,4-0; Dicamba, dimethylamine salt,
  • Kills: dandelions, clover and other broadleaf weeds
  • Net contents: 1 gal.

More features: ready-to-use, results in hours, comes with comfort wand, rainproof in 1 hour

Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns is a user-friendly chemical that kills over 250 weeds including clovers, dandelions and broadleaf weeds among others. It eradicates the roots. Some of the grass it can eliminate are Bermuda grass, Bluegrass, Fescues, Ryegrass and Buffalograss, among others.

Ortho says Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer is friendly to lawns provided you apply it as directed. It covers both small and large pieces of land. 32 oz and One gallon of Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer covers up to 16,000 and 64,000 sq. feet, respectively. The seller recommends using this chemical with the Ortho N Spray or Tank sprayer.

Like Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate, Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns is available in several sizes.

You can get 1 gallon ready to use with a comfort wand, I gallon ready to use with a trigger spray or 24 oz ready to use. You can broadcast it with a garden hose pipe without mixing or measuring.

One user said that the plants don’t die instantly. They turn brown and wilt away after a week. He also said that it killed weeds but left the grass. Another customer claimed it took 2 to 3 weeks for the weeds to die. Some customers complained that its automatic sprayer is ineffective.

    What are its best features?
  • User-friendly
  • Kills over 250 weeds
  • Eradicates roots
    What could be improved?
  • Ineffective automatic sprayer
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5932 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.5
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.0
6
Best Certified Weed Killer

HARRIS Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer

Features
  • Active ingredients: acetic acid
  • Kills: chickweeds, moss, crabgrass, clovers, dandelions, and much more
  • Net contents: 1 gal.

More features: non-selective, contact, OMRI certified

With 20% vinegar that is four times more powerful than ordinary table vinegar, the HARRIS Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer eradicate several types of weed from clovers, crabgrass, dandelion, moss and chickweeds among others. This weed killer does not eliminate the roots.

The seller says it is free from cancer-causing elements common in traditional weed killers. You can use this weed killer on botanical gardens, dog runs, kennels, driveways, walkways. It is non-selective. All the vegetation it comes in contact with turns brown and shrivels.

Experts claim HARRIS Vinegar Weed, and Grass Killer is OMRI certified. You can apply it two days before harvesting. They discourage using it in regions with temperature exceeding 75 degrees. The high evaporation rates reduce the rate of efficacy.

One user recommends 15% dilution for eradicating small weeds on walkways or driveways. You will get a trigger sprayer, but it’s worth investing in a pump sprayer if you intend to use this weed killer on the long-term. Few customers love that it is convenient.

Experts say that it can be heavy for users with wrist problems. One customer claimed that though it eradicates weed fast, the weeds reappear after some weeks. Its smell is overpowering.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Free from cancer-causing elements
  • OMRI certified
  • Convenient
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Heavy for some users
  • Weeds reappear after a few weeks
  • Strong smell
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7528 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
8.9
Features
  • Active ingredients: ammonium nanotate
  • Kills: annual and perennial broadleaf weeds and grasses
  • Net contents: 1 gal.

More features: concentrate, a non-volatile, water-soluble, kills weeds and grasses within two hours, organic approved by OMRI, EPA approved

The BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed Control Concentrate is a water-soluble chemical that is OMRI and EPA approved. It kills weed within 2 hours. The seller claims it covers up to 200 sq. feet. They also say that it can’t spread through the soil and harm the surrounding vegetation.

BioSafe Systems highlights that this chemical is ideal for weeds and grasses. It is non-selective like Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer and kills all plants it comes into contact with. It suits all levels of gardeners.

The seller says BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed Control Concentrate is safe for people and pets since it is water-soluble. Some users say it lacks glyphosate that is toxic to bees. However, it will still harm bees if you spray it directly on them or if they get exposed to its residues on the plants or weeds.

One user claimed that this organic concentrate weed killer eradicated the roots of the weeds. He sprayed it on weeds and didn’t spot any growth one month later.

Experts recommend mixing 8 to 10% of the solution with water then spraying it from a trigger-spray bottle. Clear and rinse your bottles first.

Most customers protest that BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed Control Concentrate is not safe for humans, pets and the environment. Wear protective gears first.

Some customers say the smell of the soap is strong. Others say BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed Control Concentrate is expensive though concentrated.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Water-soluble
  • OMRI and EPA approved
  • Nice smell
  • Kills roots
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • Expensive
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5794 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.5
Features
  • Active ingredients: sodium chloride
  • Kills: broadleaf weeds and weed grasses
  • Consumption: n/a
  • Net contents:5 gal.

More features: non-selective, long shelf life; pet-, kid-, environment-safe

The Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer is a great alternative to several toxic chemical weed killers. It’s manufactured from ocean water, soap and commercial food grade vinegar. Doctor Kirchner recommends it for small areas of land like gardens, walkways and courtyards.

It kills weeds in hours. Grass takes 12 to 24 hours to turn brown. Most users noted that they had to spray it twice to kill the weeds fast. However, it can’t eradicate underground roots.

Experts say Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer does not affect the soil so you can begin planting after the area is dry. It’s friendly to pets, animals and humans.

The seller claims it has a long shelf life. The vinegar and ocean water retain their strength for years.

The amount of gallons that Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer covers on your land depend on whether you use a hoarse or fine spray. One user said that 5 gallons covered around 400 sq. feet.

Its quart bottle comes with a sprayer, but you can invest in a separate sprayer with a pump handle for precision spraying. Spray the weeds until they are wet. Several customers despised the nozzles.

Most buyers also complained that Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer spares some weeds. Other said it is expensive but worth the cost. Overall, most users champion for straight vinegar over this weed killer.

    What do we love it for?
  • No effect on soil
  • Friendly to pets, animals and environment
  • Long shelf life
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Can’t eradicate underground roots
  • Spares some weeds
  • Pricey

Things to Consider

Your garden, lawn, patios, driveways and walkways are the first impression of your home. You will tarnish your reputation if you leave them unkempt with several weeds and overgrowths. It’s your role as a responsible homeowner to regulate these growths frequently.
You can use gardening tools like weed eaters, but experts champion for safe and effective options like organic weed killers. These chemicals come in several types that suit different levels of gardeners.
In this guide, we will look at the benefits of organic weed killers, the features to consider when choosing one and the frequently asked questions.

Benefits of organic weed killers

Organic weed killers come with several benefits compared to gardening tools. First, they are cheaper than tools like weed eaters.

Some products deliver results as fast as one hour. Others may take 6 or 24 hours.8 Best Organic Weed Killers – No More Harmful Chemicals!

Most organic weed killers are friendly to the environment, pets and humans. They don’t harm neighboring plants except for some non-selective weed killers. Experts say that these chemicals kill a variety of weeds.

Features to consider when choosing the best organic weed killer

The truth is, buying an organic weed killer is hard, especially if you’re making purchases for the first time. These chemicals are made from different ingredients, so selecting the right one that blends with the soil in your garden can be daunting.

Some organic weed killers are meant for specific weeds.

In this section, we will look at several factors you can consider before making purchases like the type, the type of weed it kills, the toxicity levels, effectiveness and shelf life, among others.

Type

There are several types of weed killers like pre-emergent, post-emergent, contact and systemic weed killers.

Pre-emergent herbicides choke the weed seeds before germination. It’s more of a preventive measure. The post-emergent weed killers eradicate weeds after they appear on the ground surfaces.

Experts say contact weed killer kills weed they come in contact with. They are applied to the leaves and stems. Contact weed killers often deliver results fast. However, the weeds can reappear after a few weeks so you will have to reapply after some weeks.

Systemic weed killers are applied directly on soil or foliage of weeds. The weeds absorb them through the roots. They are awesome for permanent eradication of the weeds.

What is it made from?

Weed killers are manufactured from different materials like vinegar and glyphosate, among others. A chemical like Biosafe Systems 7601-1 Weed Control Concentrate is made from ammonium nitrate annotate. Other products like Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate have glyphosate, which is powerful though toxic.

It prevents the growth of weeds for up to 1 year.

Vinegar weed killers are not only cheap but deliver results in a few hours. They are made from vinegar with 5% acetic acids. Other weed killers like Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer are manufactured from ethanol that is four times stronger than table vinegar.

Types of weeds it kills

Organic weed killers have unique components to eradicate different types of weed.

The Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer eliminates clover weeds, moss, white clover, dandelions and crabgrass.

BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed Control Concentrate and Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer are non-selective. They kill annual and perennial broadleaf weeds and grasses.8 Best Organic Weed Killers – No More Harmful Chemicals!

Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate is specially designed for eradicating weeds and grass. Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns kills dandelions, clover and other broadleaf weeds.

Natural Armor says that Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer eradicates

up to 250 weeds and grasses. HARRIS Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer eradicate chickweeds, moss, crabgrass, clovers, dandelions, and much more.

Selective vs Non-selective

Selective weed killers are for controlling specific weeds. They are toxic to some plants but non-toxic to others.

Non-selective weed killers like Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer, Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer controls grass weeds and broadleaf. Majority of the products we reviewed are non-selective.

Toxicity

Experts advise buyers to consider whether a weed killer is toxic to plants, environment and animals before purchase.

Some weed killers contain harmful ingredients that cause lung irritations or deadly diseases like cancer when inhaled.

Products like Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer are friendly to animals, humans and the environment. Customers protested that the BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed Control Concentrate, and Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer are toxic to pets.

The amount required for the area

The weed killer you purchase should match the area of the land you want to use it on. Experts say most organic weed killers cover around 4000 sq. feet. The BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed Control Concentrate covers up to 200 sq. feet. Some users said that the Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate covered 3200 sq. feet.

The Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer covers approximately 4000 sq. feet. 5 gallon of Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer covers 400 sq. feet.

Effectiveness

8 Best Organic Weed Killers – No More Harmful Chemicals!

Weed killers have different levels of effectiveness. Some deliver results in hours while others take 24 hours to kill weeds.

BioSafe Systems 7601-1 Weed Control Concentrate kills weeds within 2 hours. Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer eradicate weeds in hours. It kills grass in 12 to 24 hours.

Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer suffocate weed in 24 hours. You can pick a model that kills weeds instantly, but you will have to be patient if you select a product that kills weeds in12 to 24 hours or seven days.

Net content

The net content of organic weed killers varies according to manufacturers. Most products with high net content are expensive.

The net content of the organic weed killers that we selected range from 128 oz to 2.5 gallons. Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer has 128 oz net content.

Green Gobbler, BioSafe Systems 7601-1, and Ortho Weed B Gon Weed Killer for Lawns have 1-gallon net content.

Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate and Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer contain 2 and 2.5 gallons, respectively.

Clear instructions

The instructions for use are labelled on the container. Follow them for best results. The label on the container has all the directions on how you will spray the products and the amount it can cover on your land.

Shelf life

Shelf life is the duration of time your weed killer remains usable. These weed killers have a good shelf life. Some like the Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed & Grass Killer has a long shelf life. You can use it for more than three years.

Safety precautions

Your safety should come fast since organic weed killers contain toxic ingredients that can harm pets and humans. You should invest in protective gears like gloves or masks to protect your face during the application. Use gumboots to protect your feet.

Keep your pets away from the application areas for at least 2 hours if you have Ortho GroundClear Vegetation Killer Concentrate. Wash your hand thoroughly and seek medical attention if your hands get exposed to the chemicals.

FAQ

How do organic weed killers work?

You can spray organic weed killers to the leaves of weeds and grass, or you can apply them directly on the soil. The weeds will wither after absorbing the chemicals. These organic weed killers are used on the soil to eradicate the roots of the weeds.

Do I Need a Surfactant?

No, it’s not compulsory though surfactants make weed killers up to 3 times effective.

Our verdict

Weed organic killers have proved effective for ages. They eradicate the toughest weeds in driveways, walkways, lawns and patios.

First, you need to look into major factors we have highlighted in our buying guide like the type of weeds in your area, the coverage area, and the ingredients in the chemicals. Your budget will also come into play.

The Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer is our first pick. We rated it at 9.9. It is four times stronger than regular table vinegar so it can handle chronic weeds like clovers and dandelions.

The ECO Garden PRO Organic Vinegar Weed Killer is the second pick and will give you noticeable results within 24 hours in your garden. It is friendly to the environment, children, pets, livestock, and even bees.

9,9
Total Score
Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer - Editor’s Choice
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