Artificial turf has a number of advantages that homeowners across Australia are leaning toward. Not only is it extreme weather and drought proof, it doesn’t require much maintenance, any mowing, or any watering or fertilizing. Think of all of the time you will save!
That is, until you need to clean up after your favorite pooch.
If you have pets, there’s no reason to avoid artificial turf. But many pet owners wonder if fake grass is worth it and safe for their pets. The answer is a resounding YES! You just have to remember, similar to natural grass, to clean up after your animals.
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the best way to care for your artificial turf and exactly how to clean dog urine on fake grass to keep it looking like new.
A note about pets and safety for synthetic turf
Let’s start by making sure you’re clear on how safe artificial turf is for your pets in general. Not only do pet owners use fake grass for their lawns, but there are specific types suited especially for dog runs. These grasses are soft of delicate paws, durable for even the largest of dogs to romp on, and safe for contact of all sorts.
Look for synthetic grass for dog runs and play areas that is made of 100% polyethylene. This will ensure that your pets have a safe and fun experience – and the kids can join in the fun, too!
Want to learn more about pets and turf: Read our blog: Choosing Grass That’s Safe for Kids and Pets
Anti-odour and artificial grass? You bet…
Great news! That polyethylene material that we told you to be on the lookout for with regard to comfort and safety is also odour resistant. That means that in the time it takes for your dog to do its business and for you to follow up on clean up duty, the grass blades won’t absorb those unsavory smells. It’s also antimicrobial, so harmful threats simply won’t grow in place even after you pick up after your pet.
Artificial grasses are also installed with drainage in mind. This is primarily for when it comes to the rains, but a bit of dog urine is likely to seep through and absorb back to the ground. And with synthetic grass, this drying process is even quicker than with real grass (and the mud that can form in its place – yuck!).
Read more about the other Benefits of Artificial Grass on our blog!
How to clean dog urine on fake grass
That said, you will might still have times when you will want to give your artificial turf a good cleaning to eliminate what you pets, well, eliminated. Synthetic grasses are generally easy to clean, though there are a few considerations when cleaning pet waste to keep your pets safe as well. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common ways that homeowners clean dog urine on fake grass.
#1: Plain water
That’s right. In many cases, a gentle stream from a garden hose is all you will need. You should be able to target that wet spot with the hose and rinse off any urine that is left behind or didn’t seep down through the turf already. Be sure to use a low pressure: a gentle stream is all it will take. Consider making it a habit to do this once a week, especially if you have more than one pet.
#2: Cleaners
Worried about persistent odours or adamant about killing off any germs that might be lingering? You can look into using a commercial cleaner. However, be sure that you choose one specifically made for cleaning grass. This can be found at a local hardware store or from your turf supplier. Enzyme-based cleaners will break down any remaining urine on the synthetic turf.
You can choose to spray the cleaner directly on the affected spot if you know where it is on the lawn. Some cleaners come in special bottles that can connect to your hose, allowing you to mix the cleaner and water and then spray it all at once. This can be great for general cleaning. Just go over it with plain water when you are done to rinse away any leftover cleaner.
#3: Deodorizer
Your artificial turf should resist most smells that come its way. But if it is embattled with a particular pungent fragrance, a turf deodorizer could be a great choice. Again, look for one specifically made for synthetic grass. It usually comes in a powder or granules that you can sprinkle directly on the offending patch of turf. There’s no need to clean it up afterward; it will work itself into the turf and break down over time. You can use a brush or rake to work the powder into the blades more thoroughly if you want.
#4: Home remedies
Want to avoid a trip to the home improvement or hardware store? Understandable. The good thing is that some of the items under your kitchen sink could also help you clean dog urine from fake grass. Look for a mild soap like a carpet cleaner or laundry detergent which will help fight off any microbes that remain along with freshening up the smell, too. You can simply mix this with water, work into a lather, and apply with a rag or a sponge as needed. Rinse gently with water after a few minutes and your turf will be fresh once again.
No soaps available? How about vinegar. Used for a lot of other home cleaning remedies, you can use it on your fake grass, too. Just mix the same amount of water and white distilled vinegar together and apply to the smelly spot. This can be easier if you have a spray bottle on hand. Of course, the vinegar will leave a smell of its own behind, so you will want to rinse thoroughly with water until it goes away.
Do you really need to clean dog urine from fake grass?
The short answer is no. You shouldn’t have to worry about doing this since top quality turf is designed with proper drainage and materials to resist anything that you – or your pets – throw at and on it. These cleaning tips may come in handy if you have a party coming up and don’t want to (or have the time to) wait on Mother Nature to rinse your yard clean.
If you are very particular about your pets, cleaning, and cleaning after pets, consider adding a dedicated dog run to your yard. This can also give you more flexibility when it comes to the different types of turf you choose for your property. Specific grasses may achieve the look you want for the main garden – long and lush, perhaps – and then you can go with a shorter blade, pet friendly option for your dog run. Easier to clean, dedicated spaces might be just the trick for you!
Get the best fake grass for your family and pets from Ecolawns
While all artificial turf is safe for pets and children of all ages, not all synthetic grass is created the same. Some may be easier to clean up after your pets than others depending on drainage, density, and blade length. However, pretty much all kinds are going to be cleaned naturally and not hang onto any odours when your pets do their business. And while cleaning dog urine from fake grass can be a chore, it doesn’t have to take long or much effort to keep up with.
At Ecolawns, we know all about synthetic grass and pride ourselves on helping our customers choose the right types for their exact needs. That includes your pets, too! We have direct experience supplying turf for and building out dog runs for customers in need of a dedicated space for their pets to do their business. And for the rest of your garden, you can choose from over 20 varieties of Australian-made turf with only the best materials and systems.
Every Ecolawns purchase comes with a 7-year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about the wear and tear you and your family might put on your lawn. Gardens are meant to be lived in and on, just like our homes. And with a synthetic turf yard, you can expand your living space in the outdoors with maximum ease of use and minimal maintenance. Say goodbye to your mower and say hello to Ecolawns on (02) 8488 7267 today.
