IF you've left your patio or driveway untouched during the harsh winter months, then chances are pesky weeds have started to break through.
For anyone keen to spruce up their outdoor space in time for spring, there's no need to use harsh chemicals for the job, or salt and vinegar for that matter.
While both common methods will help to get rid of weeds, gardeners have warned how such products should be avoided as they can be toxic to pets.
Taking to a gardening-related Facebook page, one woman named Sharon King asked: "Any advice on how to get rid of weeds in between patio slabs? I have cats so nothing toxic.”
And she wasn't short of responses, with many urging Sharon to avoid using salt and white vinegar because they claimed it can not only damage paving slabs, but it's also not safe around furry friends.
“Don’t use salt, it’ll ruin your paving and irritate your cat," wrote one.
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Another agreed: “Avoid using salt and white vinegar. I used it on my patio and I had to replace a few pavers as a result of damage.”
Cass Heaphy, the Digital Director at Paving Direct, also spoke to The Express and commented: "Do not use salt to kill weeds as this can damage paving.
"Not only can salt damage paving, it can also harm soil health and prevent future growth if used on weeds in other areas of the garden."
Instead, gardening fans revealed a quick and safe way to get rid of weeds in an instant - and it's totally free.
The answer? Boiling water.
"I prefer using boiling water," wrote one avid gardener.
"It's much better than the white vinegar and salt method as it works instantly.
"If you're trying to get rid of large paving weeds it's best to trim them down so the boiling water can reach the roots better."
The experts at Gardener's World also suggest using boiling water for anyone looking at a pet-friendly weed killer - adding that it's "very easy, convenient and cheap".
They commented: "Boiling water can kill weeds.
"This is a particularly useful technique on paths and paving, where you don't have to worry about nearby plants being affected.
"You can also use it on a group of weeds in a border, taking care not to pour it onto nearby plants that you want to keep.
"Save energy by using the water that you've just used for boiling vegetables."