There are several other ‘non-toxic’ herbicides that are popular among home gardeners. Each has its own benefits and disadvantages, and no one option is a one-size-fits-all solution.

White vinegar is one option, although it has been proven over time to be ineffective on its own. However, when mixed with salt and water, vinegar controls weeds well. As with the salt and water mixture, vinegar must be applied carefully as it can change the pH balance of the soil over time—affecting the growth of future plants.

Boiling water can also be used to some degree of effectiveness. It is a great option for dealing with clusters of difficult weeds in a garden bed, as the water will have no residual effects on the soil. However, as with most other herbicides, boiling water needs to be applied to the garden very carefully so as to not damage plants that you don’t want to kill. 

Surprisingly, fire is another method of ‘non-toxic’ weed control that is used by gardeners. The fire burns the emerging weeds, causing damage at a structural level. While fire control will permanently remove annual weeds, it does not kill the roots of hardier perennial weeds. Flame weeders can be purchased online or at most garden centers or nurseries. 

How to Get Red Wine Out of Clothes

Your favorite white blouse isn’t a goner just because it has a red wine stain. At least, not until you give Wine Away, a Good Housekeeping Institute favorite, a chance to work its magic. If you’re still wearing the garment, place a cloth between the garment and your skin. Then saturate the stain with the stain remover, and let sit for up to five minutes. If the stain still remains, soak the fabric for 15 minutes in cold water, apply laundry stain remover, and wash in warm water with fabric-safe bleach.

How to Get Red Wine Out of Upholstery

Once you notice a spill on your furniture, blot up as much spilled wine as possible. Mix one tablespoon of liquid hand dishwashing detergent with two cups of cool water, and sponge the stain with the solution. Blot with an absorbent cloth until the liquid is absorbed. Then sponge with cold water and blot dry.

If it’s a common occurrence at your house, try treating your upholstery and fabrics with Scotchgard to make stain removal easier in the future.

How to Get Red Wine Out of Carpet

You knew beige carpet was risky but now, well, it’s a nightmare. Start by blotting as much spilled wine as possible, even standing on absorbent cloths if necessary. Saturate the stain with Wine Away and let sit for up to five minutes. Blot the area until the stain is completely gone and remove extra residue with a damp cloth.

For stubborn stains, mix one tablespoon each dish liquid and white vinegar with two cups warm water. Sponge carpet with mixture and blot dry. Then, spritz or sponge with cold water to rinse and blot until dry.