A gardening expert has warned against a viral social media hack that could cause irreparable damage. TikTok and Instagram users have been sharing videos in which they are seen using salt to kill weeds, but the expert said the method should be "avoided at all costs".

Thomas Rutter, a professional gardener, said he understands the appeal of using salt as it is considered a quick and cost-efective method to kill weeds. However, he explained that gardeners should "think twice" before using it as it can have serious long-term consequences. Although salt is a natural substance, it is also corrosive which means it can damage your paving. Thomas said that regular and repeated usage will almost certainly lead to wear and tear.

He said: "Salt, or sodium chloride, is a corrosive product, and when using salt to kill weeds in pavers - whether granite, sandstone or porcelain - regular and repeated usage will almost certainly lead to wear and tear."

He added: "So, while your paving may look cleaner and weed-free in the short term, using salt to get rid of weeds can compromise the integrity of your paving and pathways and end up costing you far more in the long run."

Salt can also negatively impact soil health. If it rains, the salt could move off the surface and head towards borders and beds, leaving them inhospitable for all plant life and beneficial soil microbes.

Thomas explained that the best way to remove weeds is by hand. He said the age-old approach is safer and more effective than using salt.

Thomas said: "Instead, the safest way to achieve a weed-free patio is also the simplest: the age-old approach of weeding by hand. While this does require a little elbow grease, using something like this Eadwiella paving weeder, available to order from Amazon, will make the job much easier. And, hey, who knows, you might even find the process calming or therapeutic!"