What can I clean dog pee off artificial turf with?

Check your turf maker's care guide first. TigerTurf's general pet stain steps: Start by removing everything you can pick up, and then mix a dollop of detergent into a bucket with warm water. Rinse the stain with the mixture. Remember to rinse the detergent off with clean water. ForeverLawn says: Use of harsh or damaging cleaning chemicals, solutions, or solvents may limit the liability claim.

Does the infill affect the smell?

TigerTurf says: Standard sand infill can absorb odours rather than neutralising them, which means smells build up over time. ForeverLawn says: Infill replacement should only be done under the direction and approval of an authorized ForeverLawn dealer.

How to Get Dog Pee Smell Out of Artificial Turf

Q: Why does my artificial turf smell like dog pee?

TigerTurf says: Unlike natural grass, which absorbs and breaks down urine through soil and root systems, artificial turf relies entirely on its drainage backing and infill to manage liquid waste. When urine is not flushed through properly, it can sit in the infill or pool at the base layer beneath the turf.

Q: How often should I rinse artificial turf when I have a dog?

University of Florida IFAS Extension notes that many manufacturers recommend weekly wash downs of the artificial turf surface to remove contaminants such as dust and pet waste and its odor. TigerTurf adds: If you have pets, a regular rinse is a particularly good idea as you won't see where they've left urine.

Q: When should I call the turf installer?

TigerTurf says: For more stubborn cases, it may be worth having a professional assess whether the infill needs replacing or whether drainage issues at the base are contributing to the problem.

Your dog uses the artificial grass in the yard, dog run or on the balcony, and now it smells. Here is how to rinse, clean, brush and when to call the installer, using what ForeverLawn, TigerTurf and university extension services say.

Why artificial turf starts to smell

TigerTurf explains: "Unlike natural grass, which absorbs and breaks down urine through soil and root systems, artificial turf relies entirely on its drainage backing and infill to manage liquid waste." It goes on: "When urine is not flushed through properly, it can sit in the infill or pool at the base layer beneath the turf."

TigerTurf lists these common causes of lasting odour:

"Poor drainage at the base, meaning urine has nowhere to go"
"The wrong type of infill, which can trap odours rather than neutralise them"
"Infrequent rinsing, allowing waste to build up over weeks rather than being washed away regularly"
"Solid waste left too long before being cleaned up"

Heat plays a part too. TigerTurf's routine includes: "Do a more thorough rinse after particularly hot or dry stretches, when odours tend to intensify".

Source: TigerTurf Australia, How to Prevent Odours on Artificial Grass: A Pet Owner's Guide.

Step 1: Pick up solid waste first

TigerTurf's weekly routine starts with: "Pick up solid waste as soon as you notice it, rather than letting it sit". ForeverLawn's guide for its dog turf says: "Solid pet waste should be removed frequently (immediately if possible)." It also warns: "Do not rinse solid waste into the grass."

Once the spot is clear, TigerTurf's homeowner care guide says: "Following pickup, hose down the target area."

Sources: TigerTurf Australia, pet owner's guide; ForeverLawn, K9Grass Maintenance Guidelines (PDF); TigerTurf, How to Look After Your Synthetic Grass.

Step 2: Rinse, and rinse often

A University of Florida IFAS Extension paper on synthetic turf notes that "many manufacturers recommend weekly wash downs of the artificial turf surface to remove contaminants such as dust and pet waste and its odor." It adds: "These washings, especially those to remove pet urine, often use quite a bit of water because the waste must pass through the artificial turf, the underlying substrate, and the weed barrier before being carried away."

TigerTurf says: "If you have pets, a regular rinse is a particularly good idea as you won't see where they've left urine." Its routine also says: "Hose down areas your pet regularly uses, particularly favourite toileting spots".

ForeverLawn's dog turf guide says: "Rinsing the grass between cleanings is advisable if you do not have regular rain." If you're not sure how much water your installation can take, ask your installer.

Sources: University of Florida IFAS Extension, Synthetic Turfgrass and the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping; TigerTurf, homeowner care guide; TigerTurf Australia; ForeverLawn, K9Grass Maintenance Guidelines (PDF).

Step 3: Wash a smelly spot with what your turf maker allows

Start with your own turf maker's care sheet, since makers differ. TigerTurf's homeowner care guide gives these steps for pet stains: "Start by removing everything you can pick up, and then mix a dollop of detergent into a bucket with warm water." Then: "Rinse the stain with the mixture." And: "Remember to rinse the detergent off with clean water."

ForeverLawn's spill advice reads: "If a spill occurs, clean up quickly with water, mild detergent, and a stiff-bristled nylon brush (if needed)."

For anything stronger, TigerTurf says: "Your turf provider may also stock approved odour removal products, so be sure to check with them."

Sources: TigerTurf, How to Look After Your Synthetic Grass; ForeverLawn, Landscape Maintenance Guidelines (PDF).

What to keep off artificial turf

ForeverLawn says it is best to avoid "use of fertilizer and/or harsh chemicals" on its turf, and warns: "Use of harsh or damaging cleaning chemicals, solutions, or solvents may limit the liability claim." TigerTurf says: "Avoid bleach or harsh chemical cleaners, as these can damage turf fibres and backing without actually solving the odour problem."

If your turf is under warranty, read its care terms before you try a new product.

Sources: ForeverLawn, Landscape Maintenance Guidelines (PDF); TigerTurf Australia.

Step 4: Brush and groom the fibres

TigerTurf's routine says: "Brush the fibres occasionally to keep them upright and avoid matting". Its homeowner care guide suggests you "get a medium-soft bristle brush or broom, and gently brush it against the direction of the artificial fibres." and cautions: "Don't brush it too hard, or use stiff bristles, as this can damage the fibres."

ForeverLawn's advice for its landscape turf is different: "To keep grass looking fresh, pull a plastic rake, stiff-bristled push broom, or power broom against the lay of the turf to lift the blades." Use the tool your own turf maker names.

ForeverLawn's dog turf guide suggests vacuuming hair and small debris, and says: "Removing this debris keeps the grass looking good and prevents urine, hair, and waste from slowing drainage and holding unwanted waste."

Sources: TigerTurf Australia; TigerTurf, homeowner care guide; ForeverLawn, Landscape Maintenance Guidelines (PDF); ForeverLawn, K9Grass Maintenance Guidelines (PDF).

Infill and odour

TigerTurf says: "Standard sand infill can absorb odours rather than neutralising them, which means smells build up over time." When rinsing or brushing a filled turf, its homeowner care guide says: "Take care not to shift the sand infill if your turf is a filled surface."

Don't top up or swap infill on your own. ForeverLawn says: "Only ForeverLawn-approved infill should be used in ForeverLawn products." and "Infill replacement should only be done under the direction and approval of an authorized ForeverLawn dealer."

Sources: TigerTurf Australia; TigerTurf, homeowner care guide; ForeverLawn, Landscape Maintenance Guidelines (PDF); ForeverLawn, K9Grass Maintenance Guidelines (PDF).

Drainage and the base underneath

TigerTurf says: "A free-draining base allows urine to pass through quickly rather than pooling at the surface or in the backing." and "This is the single biggest factor in keeping a pet area odour-free long term." For a new install: "If you are installing new turf and know pets will be using it heavily, it is worth discussing odour control with your installer upfront rather than trying to fix issues after the fact."

Some dog runs have a built in flushing system. ForeverLawn says: "If you have a flushing system, it is designed to dilute urine and move it to the drain."

We found no turf maker guidance written for balconies or roof decks. Ask your turf maker or installer how that installation drains before you rinse it. If the smell comes from the concrete or pavers around the turf, see our guide to getting dog pee smell out of concrete.

Sources: TigerTurf Australia; ForeverLawn, K9Grass Maintenance Guidelines (PDF).

Give your dog a designated potty spot

A single spot is easier to rinse than a whole lawn. University of Illinois Extension, writing about lawns, says: "Take your dog out on a leash to a designated spot in your backyard to do their business. Reward with a treat when they go."

For why dogs return to the same place, see why dogs and cats keep peeing in the same spot. Still house training? Our puppy accident cleanup guide covers indoor slips, and dog marking indoors covers leg lifting on walls and furniture.

Source: University of Illinois Extension, Dog Gone Lawn.

When to contact the installer

If rinsing and cleaning don't fix it, TigerTurf says: "For more stubborn cases, it may be worth having a professional assess whether the infill needs replacing or whether drainage issues at the base are contributing to the problem." It adds: "Sometimes the underlying drainage or infill setup simply was not designed with pets in mind, and an upgrade can make a bigger difference than another bottle of cleaner."

ForeverLawn says: "If a repair is needed, such as in the event of a loose edge or a tear in the turf, please contact your local ForeverLawn dealer." If the smell is inside rather than out, see why your house smells like dog pee.

Sources: TigerTurf Australia; ForeverLawn, Landscape Maintenance Guidelines (PDF).

Accident on the carpet or couch too?

P-Cleaner is the Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Foaming Liquid from Pet Cleanup Kit. The product listing says: "Works on carpets, upholstery, tile, and more." It is not described for artificial turf or outdoor surfaces; for turf, follow the turf maker's care guidance above. Follow the directions on the product label.

Buy P-Cleaner on petcleanupkit.com

Quoted from the petcleanupkit.com product listing.