The last thing you want is to step outside for some fresh air in your yard and get a strong whiff of dog urine. While artificial grass is lower maintenance than a natural lawn, neglecting it can lead to stubborn, unwanted odors.
If you’re struggling to get rid of that lingering urine smell, don’t worry. Our team at Big Dogs Artificial Turf is here to offer tips to get urine smell out of artificial grass, as well as some ways you can prevent this issue in the future.
Need service immediately? Contact our artificial grass cleaning experts today for a free estimate. Call Big Dogs Artificial Turf at 561-556-5018!
Why Does My Artificial Turf Smell Like Dog Urine?
While 95% of pet urine is water, the other 5% causes the odor issue. This combination of urea, uric acid, ammonia, and other toxins disperse in the air as they break down. While artificial grass has better drainage than natural grass, this smell can linger without proper maintenance.
Using cleaning products daily on the turf where your pet relieves themself can stop smells temporarily. If you notice your efforts aren’t making a difference, the issue might be with the turf itself.
The most common reason artificial turf retains urine smells is poor turf installation. For example, if you have artificial turf with raw sand infill, this base material can make urine smell worse.
In this case, leave cleaning to the professionals. Our team at Big Dogs Artificial Turf provides professional cleaning services for artificial turfs that will leave them smelling fresh and clean.
Steps To Get Urine Smell Out of Artificial Grass
Is the smell of your pet’s urine lingering? There are steps to get urine smell out of artificial grass.
1. Remove Solid Waste
Remove any solid waste on your turf. When you remove solid waste, clean any stains it leaves behind too.
2. Rinse With a Hose or Sprinkler System
Before applying cleaning products, rinse the turf with a hose. This flushes out any remnants of urine or feces you may have been unable to see. Take your time to complete this step thoroughly, as there could be stubborn urine or feces between blades of grass.
If you have a sprinkler system that was not capped during your install, be sure to turn it on at least 1-2 times a day to help combat urine crystallization. You don’t need to overdue it, just
3. Apply a Vinegar Solution
Mix equal parts vinegar and water to create a natural deodorizer. Spray this solution over the affected area to combat the urine smell. If this isn’t quite strong enough, try an enzyme-based solution. This will speed up the ammonia production, which allows it to evaporate more quickly.
Depending on the strength of the smell, it might take more than one application to remove it completely.
4. Wait and Rinse
After soaking your turf in a cleaning solution, wait five to ten minutes before rinsing with water. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
5. Apply a Deodorizer
If the smell persists, use a natural deodorizer like baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda around your tuf, specifically in the problem areas. Let it sit for 20 minutes before you vacuum.
6. Regular Maintenance
When you successfully remove the odor from your turf, remember to keep up regular maintenance afterward to retain the fresh smell. You should rinse your turf at least once a month. However, you might rinse more frequently depending on the type of artificial turf you have.
If your turf requires a professional deep cleaning, be sure to contact Big Dogs Artificial Turf for a free estimate!
Turf Maintenance Tips To Avoid Urine Smell
Having artificial turf requires regular maintenance to prevent foul odors. Sprinklers flush urine out of your artificial grass to keep odors to a minimum, but there is more you can do.
Routine Cleanings
Keep your turf fresh and clean by:
- Keeping sprinkler heads active
- Spot-treat your pets’ hot spot(s)
- Combing your infill regularly and adding anti-microbial infill as needed
- Picking up debris such as twigs and rocks, as these can interfere with drainage
- Removing weeds or spraying them with vinegar
A thorough grooming routine keeps your turf’s drainage working properly and prevents the build-up of pet waste.
Disinfection
In addition to pet urine, your artificial turf absorbs sweat, spit, and other fluids. Periodically disinfecting it is essential. You can use baking soda, soap and water, or vinegar solutions for environmentally friendly deodorizers and disinfectants.
Repairs
When the seams of your turf break, act quickly to prevent further damage. Left unrepaired, artificial turfs with broken seams become tripping hazards. This also makes it difficult to clean and maintain them properly.
Trust Professional Turf Cleaners To Remove Urine Odors From Artificial Grass
If you struggle to get urine smell out of artificial grass, our team at Big Dogs Artificial Turf can help. Often, household cleaning doesn’t cut it. We have the tools, cleaning solutions, and professionals to deep clean your artificial turf.
We offer single cleanings and quarterly cleanings to keep your turf looking and smelling fresh for you and your furry friend.
Call 561-556-5018 today for a free artificial grass cleaning estimate.