Block paving is a popular choice for driveways as it looks attractive, it's durable and is available in a variety of colours and patterns so you can customise it to your liking. But while it can enhance the curb appeal - and possibly the value - of your , it does need regular maintenance to keep it looking fresh.

Building experts say is a low-maintenance option as it doesn't need polishing or repainting and can be kept in good condition simply by sweeping and frequent cleaning with soapy water. However, one major problem with this type of paving is dealing with between the blocks, which spoils the appearance.

The spaces between the collect debris over time and trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for weeds to thrive. While sweeping and cleaning can help remove debris and seeds, it's easy for weeds to take root and spread, particularly during the summer months, when warmer weather contributes to greater growth.

There are several methods to tackle weed growth on driveways, but if you're looking for a cheap and natural option, then baking soda is the answer.

Paving experts say baking soda is an effective solution to kill weeds growing between your block paving, as it dehydrates the tissues to dry out the plant, causing it to shrivel and die.

As baking soda - also known as bicarbonate of soda - is a type of salt, it works by drawing out the moisture from weeds, causing it to dehydrate, which destroys the plant cells and kills the weed. It's also a natural product so you don't have to worry about soil contamination or damaging other plants nearby.

The Spruce explains: "The reason baking soda is effective in killing weeds is that one of its major ingredients is salt. In sufficient quantities, salt's effect on plants is to dehydrate them.

"If you want to kill a weed permanently, this is one way to do it: dry it out so much that it can't take up water anymore, and the weed will die for good."

Paving experts suggest wetting the weeds first before sprinkling baking soda on top, as this will help the baking soda stick to the plant. As such, it's good to apply baking soda to weeds on your driveway after heavy rain and aim to repeat the method every four to six weeks to prevent weeds from coming back, particularly if you have well-established weeds.

For tougher weeds, you can try combining baking soda with vinegar, as the extra ingredient helps dry out the plant and kill it.

Leading cleaning product supplier Jenny Chem adds: " Expect to see visible effects from using baking soda for weeds within 24-48 hours - leaf browning and wilting. The actual death of weeds can take several days to a few weeks.

"Direct application of pure baking soda for weeds works best for small patches or weeds growing between cracks in driveways and patios. Start by dampening the weed so the baking soda can stick to it. Sprinkle a generous amount of dry baking soda directly onto the leaves and the base of the plant. Leave it undisturbed for 24 hours so it can work its magic."

"Remember, many weeds are going to be impervious to baking soda alone. You can combine it with vinegar for those tougher weeds to enhance its desiccating effect. Vinegar is highly concentrated in acetic acid, a powerful natural herbicide that breaks down plant cell wells. This dynamic duo really sucks the life out of the weed and gives you a better chance of successful eradication."