How to Remove Pet Odours from Artificial Grass: Simple Tips for Dog Owners

Artificial grass is a great option for homes with pets, as it’s ultra durable, low maintenance, and appears green and healthy all year round. Cleaning artificial grass is quick and easy, too. However, we know accidents happen, and if your dog likes to use your artificial turf as their own personal toilet there are some tried and tested tips for removing pet odours and waste, and keeping your outdoor space looking inviting.

In this blog we’ll look at simple pet-safe lawn cleaning techniques, and ways to avoid pungent pet odours, to keep your lawn looking and smelling its best all year round.

Why Pet Odours Build Up on Artificial Grass

If artificial grass isn’t maintained after animals have done their business, the fibres can trap waste and lead to the growth of bacteria which can cause nasty niffs. This can be easily avoided by cleaning up after your pet, and ensuring your faux lawn has adequate drainage underneath when it’s installed. This allows any liquids to naturally flow through to the soil below.

Why Dog Urine Can Linger

Dog urine can leave particularly pungent pongs on surfaces, including artificial grass.

Your pup’s pee can contain a high concentration of urea and ammonia, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria if it’s not properly cleaned. Also, some types of artificial turf have absorbent backings or infill types which trap, rather than drain, pet urine. 

If you’re a pet owner, or if you’re planning to be in the future, the good news is that there are specially designed artificial lawns for pets. The best pet friendly artificial grass is PU backed, and won’t absorb pet urine, so it's easier to keep clean. 

Common Mistakes That Trap Smells

Some products, or improper installation techniques, can make pet odours more likely to become a problem. Here are some of the common things to avoid when choosing pet friendly artificial grass for your home:

Poor drainage: A proper drainage system will assist with cleaning and maintenance, as well as reducing water pooling and flood risk.

Certain types of absorbent infill: Some sand and rubber materials can trap odours, whereas Zeolite and other antimicrobial materials are recommended for pet urine.

Neglecting cleaning: Removing solid waste and cleaning artificial grass after your pet urinates will help to avoid odours and keep your artificial grass in great condition.

Improperly installed products, poor quality turf, or faux grass with absorbent backings or underlay can also lead to the build up of pet odours, so it’s always best to opt for a pet-friendly product which is laid correctly with adequate drainage.

Pet-Safe Ways to Clean Artificial Grass

One of the many benefits of artificial grass is that it’s easy to keep clean. Pet-safe lawn cleaning is simple to do, and will ensure your grass stays usable all year round. 

If your pet (or a wild animal) has done the deed on your faux turf, remove any solid waste as soon as you can. You can then wash the area with dish soap and warm water, or use a pet-safe disinfectant cleaner. It’s best to rinse and clean the area after they urinate too, to prevent odours from hanging around. Just like a carpet, you can use a brush and hot soapy water to clean between the fibres, and repeat if needed. If any odour still lingers, or if your pet likes to revisit the same spot to squat, try using a pet odour eliminator spray.

Use a Hose to Rinse Regularly

Hosing down your artificial turf regularly is a simple solution for removing pet odours. After you’ve cleaned the area, liquids should drain through the turf naturally, but you can assist this process by rinsing the lawn when needed. If it hasn’t rained for a while, some pet owners like to rinse the lawn every now and then using the hose – just in case any additional accidents have occurred when they weren’t looking.

Homemade Cleaning Solutions

In addition to using a dog poop cleaner scoop, there are other low-cost and chemical-free ways of keeping your faux grass looking great. Many pet owners use white vinegar, baking soda and essential oils to naturally keep their artificial grass clean. Try mixing equal parts warm water and white vinegar into a spray bottle for spritzing after you’ve removed solid waste. It’s possible to add a few drops of pet-safe essential oil, such as lavender, to this mix for a refreshing natural scent (be sure to avoid pine as this can be toxic to dogs). You can also mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of white vinegar for an odour-removing cleaner to brush on and rinse off. 

Enzyme Cleaners for Persistent Odours

If you’re looking for the best artificial grass cleaner for dog urine, there are some great products on the market that are specially designed for cleaning artificial turf whilst being safe for pets. Try an artificial grass sanitiser and an artificial grass deodoriser to keep your lawn looking (and smelling) luscious. You could also try a pet-safe enzyme cleaner for dog urine, or a pet odour eliminator spray to reduce any lingering smells.

What Not to Use: Avoiding Harsh Chemicals

Although a heavy-duty or bleach-based dog urine cleaner for removing pet odours may seem like a good option, it’s important to choose a product which is also safe to use on your artificial grass. Harsh chemicals can not only damage your infill, backing or underlay, but they can be toxic to wildlife and potentially harmful to children and pets who use the space. It’s best to choose a cleaner which is both pet and turf-friendly. A pet odour eliminator plug in may also work with indoor artificial grass surfaces, but will be ineffective outdoors.

Preventing Odours Before They Start

It’s perfectly possible to avoid lingering pet odours by choosing animal-friendly artificial grass, ensuring it’s laid with the correct drainage, and opting for an infill which is antimicrobial as well as pet-safe. Keeping your lawn clean and well maintained will also help to avoid any nasty surprises. Remember:

Drainage matters: Proper installation is key to your grass naturally draining liquids and ensuring they don’t become trapped underneath to breed bacteria.

Choose your infill carefully: Avoid absorbent materials which may help odour to linger, and opt for pet-safe ones which encourage proper drainage.

Brush and spot clean regularly: Brushing your lawn keeps the blades looking their best, and spot cleaning any solids or liquid spills will keep bad smells at bay. You’ll need a dog poop cleaner and a pet-safe cleaning product on hand.

Training Tips: Encourage a Designated Pet Area

Another way to avoid odours from building up is to train your pet to use a special area to do their business. This will make maintenance and care a lot easier for you, as well as helping to look after your lawn for even longer. This could be a small section of turf, a specially designed pet toilet, or even a flowerbed in the corner.

Maintenance Schedule for Pet Owners

Artificial grass is famously low-maintenance, but giving it a little lawn care and attention can make sure it looks its best throughout the seasons. If you have pets, we recommend:

Daily: Cleaning up any solid pet waste and hosing down any liquids. Apply a pet-safe cleaner or warm soapy water to stop odours from occurring.

Weekly: Inspect your lawn for debris and remove it. Sweep the fibres using a stiff broom to remove bits and to help maintain the blades’ shape.

Monthly: Rinse the lawn down with a hose to remove liquids, pollen and dust.

Quarterly: Perform a deep clean by brushing in between the fibres to remove any stubborn deposits. Test your drainage system and perform any repairs required. 

Best Artificial Grass Options for Dog Owners

At Grass247, we have a wide choice of pet-friendly artificial grass, which will instantly give your outdoor space a lift. Our dog-friendly faux turf is durable, non-toxic, odour resistant and easy to keep clean. From budget options to luxury lifelike grasses, browse our collection and enjoy a hard-wearing, smart-looking lawn for years to come. 

Buy Dog-friendly Artificial Grass Today

Dog friendly artificial grass can transform your outside space, and create a long-lasting place for both pets and people to enjoy. By choosing pet-friendly faux grass and accessories, ensuring proper drainage, and having a few handy tools to help you clean and maintain the look of your lawn, you’ll relish the low-maintenance, versatile outdoor space that can be used in every season. Say no to the mow and choose a modern alternative to real grass that is perfect for pets and children. 

Check out Grass247’s pet-friendly range today, backed by our best price guarantee promise.