The label is the law. Rates and restrictions below are taken from the product labels listed under Sources. Your product's own label governs; read it before you mix or apply. Mixing calculator · Disclaimer
- Active ingredient
- Acetic acid
- Chemical class
- An organic acid. The label says foliar contact causes rapid drying out of weeds and that residues break down promptly in soil.[1]
- Mode of action
- Contact acid that dries out plant tissue it touches; it is not named in the WSSA mechanism-of-action summary[1]
- Signal word
- Harris Vinegar Grass & Weed Killer II: Danger[1]
Top-kill, not root kill
Foliar contact controls annual weeds and grasses but only reduces the top growth of perennials. Established perennial weeds may need retreatment whenever new leaves appear.[1]
For big stands, the label suggests mowing to 4 to 6 inches and removing the clippings first, so less product is needed.[1]
Where it is used
Spray weeds when they are small, at the 3- to 5-leaf stage, and actively growing. Wet the foliage thoroughly and don't dilute the product, since dilution cuts its effect.[1]
Spray dry leaves when it's between 50 and 75°F. Hot, dry conditions above 75°F can reduce how well it works.[1]
It kills any plant it touches, including turf around a weed. Keep it off landscape plants and use large-droplet nozzles on calm days.[1]
Rinse it off aluminum, tin, iron, fencing or lawn furniture, and avoid repeated sprays on concrete, which acids can etch. Sprayer nozzles should be plastic or 316 stainless steel.[1]
Products and registrations
| Product | Registrant | EPA Reg. No. | Active % | Formulation | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harris Vinegar Grass & Weed Killer II[1] | P.F. Harris Manufacturing Company, LLC | 3-24 | 20.0% | ready-to-use liquid | Danger |
Label rates
| Product | Use | Pests | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harris Vinegar Grass & Weed Killer II | Weeds around ornamentals, gardens, walkways, kennels, dog runs, farmsteads and rights-of-way | Young annual broadleaf weeds and grasses; top growth of perennials such as dandelion, Canada thistle, ground ivy, plantain and nutsedge; moss and liverworts | 44–88 fl oz product per 1,000 sq ft[1] That's 1.375 to 2.75 quarts per 1,000 sq ft, so one gallon covers about 1,450 to 2,900 sq ft. Use the higher volume for dense weeds. Spray undiluted, except for liverworts: 1 gallon of product to 2 gallons of water. |
Safety and environmental hazards
People
Signal word DANGER: corrosive and causes irreversible eye damage. It is harmful if absorbed through skin or swallowed. Wear goggles or a face shield, an N95-type mask, long sleeves, long pants, waterproof gloves, shoes and socks.[1]
Pets
Keep unprotected people out of treated areas until the spray has dried. The label allows use in kennels, dog runs and other animal enclosures.[1]
Bees and pollinators
The label has no bee warning. It does say the product is toxic to birds, so don't spray when birds are actively visiting the area.[1]
Fish and water
Toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. It is for land use only; don't apply directly to water.[1]
Common questions
- Is 20% vinegar weed killer the same as kitchen vinegar?
- This product is 20% acetic acid, equal to 200-grain vinegar, and is labeled not for human consumption. It carries a DANGER warning for irreversible eye damage.[1]
- Will vinegar weed killer kill weeds permanently?
- It reliably controls young annuals, but on perennial weeds it mainly burns back top growth, so repeat sprays may be needed.[1]
- How much area does a gallon cover?
- About 1,450 to 2,900 sq ft, at 44 to 88 fl oz per 1,000 sq ft.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “Harris Vinegar Grass & Weed Killer II label, EPA Reg. No. 3-24 (EPA-stamped, Sept. 14, 2022).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/000003-00024-20220914.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)