The fight against unwanted weeds can become a Sisyphean task, and not just in large gardens. As soon as you have laboriously weeded, the annoying green appears again. However, chemical agents and some home remedies for weeds not only destroy weeds, but also damage useful and ornamental plants. Steam, on the other hand, has an environmentally friendly effect and is therefore ideal for killing weeds.
Can steam cleaners remove weeds?
A steam cleaner can destroy weeds in an environmentally friendly way by using hot steam to destroy the cell structures and roots of the plants. A powerful device with a large water tank and hot water function is recommended for large-area applications.
The principle of thermal weed destruction?
Hot water or steam destroyed the cell structures of plants. Temperatures of 42 degrees and above are enough for these to break open and no longer fulfill their function.
The condensed steam also seeps into the soil and damages the roots. As a result, they can no longer absorb liquid and the plant inevitably dies.
The benefits of killing weeds with a steam cleaner
This method of removing weeds offers numerous advantages over other home remedies:
- The method is chemical-free and has little impact on the environment.
- There are no restrictions for use near water.
- The above-ground parts of the plant, including the seeds, are destroyed.
- The roots are weakened so much that the plant dies.
- With the steam jet you can reach even hard-to-reach areas.
Does weed control work with any steam cleaner?
For smaller areas or individual plants, a hand steamer is sufficient. In order for large-area weed destruction to work with the steam cleaner, you need a device with a large water tank, a strong burst of steam and possibly an additional hot water function.
Are there any disadvantages?
Hot water and steam help very well against weeds. However, this method is not without its downsides either:
- In the first year you need to steam the weeds three to four times. In subsequent years, two applications are usually sufficient.
- Delicate tiles and paving stones can splinter or break due to the hot steam.
- Water consumption for large areas is high. Common household appliances have to be filled several times.
- As the burst of steam scatters, neighboring plants can be damaged.
- The hot water created by the steam is also not good for soil life. The soil flora suffers, especially when used over large areas.
Tip
The effect of the hot steam is usually not sufficient for long taproots. A root cutter (€8.00 on Amazon) is of good use here, with which you can cut out the plant and its roots relatively easily.
