how to use muriatic acid to kill weeds muriatic acid is a liquefied form of hydrogen chloride gas this highly corrosive liquid is frequently used to balance the ph of swimming pools as well as to remove excess mortar from bricks and etch concrete muriatic acid is destructive to cellulose and will break up the cellulose chain into smaller units leaving the hydrolysis because of this muriatic acid may be used as a weed killer because muriatic acid is highly corrosive you should read all warnings included with the chemical and take the advised precautions when using the acid isn't herbicide things you'll need mixing cup mixing bucket sponge spray bottle drop cloth mix a weak solution of muriatic acid that contains one part acid 220 parts water in a bucket dip a sponge in the solution squeeze the sponge so that it is saturated but not dripping swipe weeds with a sponge to saturate the weed with the acid solution this method of weed treatment will prevent the acid from dripping into the soil and potentially contaminating the soil or harming nearby plants pour the remaining solution into a spray bottle spray weeds that appear in the cracks in a sidewalk until they are coated with acid the solution will kill the weeds through the cracks and prevent them from returning surround the weed with a drop cloth to prevent overspray onto the sidewalk muriatic acid can etch a sidewalk if it is over sprayed observe the weed it should turn brown and brittle if the weed does not die mix a slightly stronger solution of weed killer and retreat the weeds tips warnings muriatic acid is a highly corrosive acid similar to hydrochloric acid when using muriatic acid take steps to prevent the substance from touching your skin or clothing including wearing protective clothing such as an apron or coveralls high protection and gloves you you