Having a dog comes with many responsibilities, including cleaning up after them. If you have artificial grass in your yard, you may encounter the unpleasant surprise of dog urine that leaves stubborn stains and odors. While real grass has natural cleansing properties, artificial turf requires a bit more effort to remove urine stains.
The nice news is that with the correct things and ways, you can get your fake grass looking clean and new again. This blog by Omni Floor, the ultimate choice for premium artificial grass will provide you with steps to truly clean dog urine off artificial grass. We will talk about why dog pee can hurt fake grass and how to clean dog urine off artificial grass.
You will learn things for getting ready before cleaning, the best cleaners to use, and tips for stopping your dog from peeing in the yard. With a little bit of time and effort, you can clean dog urine off artificial grass and keep your artificial grass looking immaculate for years to come. So let’s get started!
Why Does Dog Urine Damage Artificial Grass?
Dog pee can hurt fake grass. Real grass has small things in the dirt and leaves that help break down the stuff in dog pee. But fake leaves don’t have what real grass has to clean pee. That’s why dog pee hurts fake grass more.
There are some things in dog pee that can cause stains and smells. Two are salts and crystals like magnesium ammonium phosphate. This is also called struvite. The ammonia in dog pee can slowly take the color out of fake grass over time too.
When left unattended for extended times, salts and crystals may harden, latching onto the grass strands, essentially rendering them immovable. Furthermore, the scent of the urine tends to lure more dogs to relieve themselves on the very spot, magnifying the issue. Timely cleanups of these mishaps can help stave off irrevocable harm and curb recurring urination.
Preparing to Clean Dog Urine off Artificial Grass
Before beginning the cleaning process, there are a couple of preparations you should make:
- Blot up excess urine: After your dog pees on the lawn, immediately head outside with paper towels or an absorbent cloth. Gently blot the area to soak up as much excess liquid as possible before it dries and sets. Don’t rub vigorously or you may spread the urine deeper into the turf.
- Mix a cleaning solution: Combine lukewarm water with an artificial turf cleaner or dish soap. Avoid harsh bleach or ammonia-based products as these won’t properly dissolve urine crystals.
- Purchase the right tools: Have on hand an old toothbrush, scrub brush, spray bottle, garden hose, clean microfiber cloths, and an enzyme cleaner made specifically for artificial grass.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Dog Urine from Artificial Grass
Follow these proven steps to remove dog urine stains and smell from your fake lawn:
Step 1: Lightly hose the affected area
Begin by gently spraying the urine patch with a garden hose on a low setting. Avoid using high pressure, which can force urine deeper into the turf backing. The light stream helps soak the turf without scattering urine crystals.
Step 2. Apply an enzyme cleaner
After rinsing, liberally spray an enzyme-based artificial grass cleaner on the spot according to the product’s directions. This type of cleaner uses helpful microbes that eat away at urine crystals and stains. Allow it to soak in for 5-10 minutes.
Step 3. Scrub with a brush
Use a stiff-bristle scrub brush and warm, soapy water to scrub the area to help loosen urine crystals and lift them from the fake grass blades. Scrub gently in different directions. Then rinse the area again with the hose.
Step 4: Mix baking soda and vinegar
Make a cleaning paste by stirring together baking soda and white vinegar. Pour this foamy paste onto the urine patch and use a toothbrush to work it down into the grass blades’ base. Let it set for 10 minutes before rinsing. These natural cleansing agents break down stains remarkably well.
Step 5: Blot dry
Once the area looks clean and free from stains and debris, blot it dry using a few absorbent towels. You want the turf to air dry as much as possible before letting your dog back on it.
Step 6: Deodorize (Optional)
If any odor remains after air drying, you can apply an artificial grass deodorizer as a final step. Products like NeutroGreen Turf Odor Eliminator work to neutralize tough ammonia smells.
Step 7: Discourage re-marking
To prevent your dog from peeing in the same cleaned spot, apply a pet deterrent spray designed for artificial lawns. Some good options include Hund & Herrchen Potty Patrol and Simple Solution. Reapply after rain or every 2-3 weeks. The natural scents drive away both dogs and cats.
Tips for Curbing Dog Peeing
Along with cleaning dog urine off artificial grass accidents promptly, make sure to train and manage your dog to avoid excessive peeing on your lawn. Useful tips include:
- Take dogs out regularly to do their business, praising them when they go into designated areas.
- Avoid scolding for mistakes, and instead, interrupt and redirect them outside.
- Place obstacles over previous accident zones until the grass recovers.
- Install turf washers that rinse away urine so it doesn’t bind to blades.
- Consider adding a dog run area in gravel or mulch, which is easier to clean.
Conclusion
Removing dog urine doesn’t have to be a chore with the right game plan. To recap, blot excess liquid immediately, scrub with enzymatic and soap solutions, deodorize as needed, and take steps to avoid repeat marking. To do all this, you need to know first how to clean dog urine off artificial grass. After that, your artificial grass will look freshly manicured in no time. With a little diligence, you can keep your yard looking spotless and enjoy your artificial lawn for years to come with your furry friend. If you want to buy the quality artificial grass, then Omni Floor is the recommended choice for you.
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